Big eyes - Copestylum barei

Moved

… Martin Hauser, 28 July, 2009 - 1:44pm

Moved

… Beatriz Moisset, 5 January, 2008 - 3:46pm

Volucella sp.

This is a syrphid fly in the genus Volucella (at least I'm fairly certain it is one that has not been moved to Copestylum:-). Very neat critter! Look for them around carpenter ant nests, too, as aparently the larvae are scavengers in nests of Hymenoptera.

… Eric R. Eaton, 5 December, 2005 - 2:34pm

Thanks

Eric, if this is in fact Volucella it would be the first one for Bugguide and I would have to create a page, so it would be nice to know for sure; I am adding another image that is not very good but it may help with ID. I would value your comments.

… Beatriz Moisset, 7 December, 2005 - 6:38pm

Volucella.

Syrphids in general have a really volatile taxonomy because so many people are working on them:-) You could try sending image links to Dr. F. Christian Thompson at the Smithsonian's Sytematic Entomology Laboratory, but please don't tell him I sent you:-) He is a very busy guy, but the one most folks turn to for syrphid IDs. I can personally be of no further help. Volucellini have the characteristic "Jay Leno chin," if that helps at all.

… Eric R. Eaton, 8 December, 2005 - 12:31pm

Good idea

Yes, I have pestered him a couple of times before. I will do it again.

… Beatriz Moisset, 8 December, 2005 - 2:12pm

It reminds me of

a Picture-winged Fly - Physiphora species I saw this summer with that metallic green body. Compare with the pictures in the guide. One of our fly experts will be able to ID it with more confidence than me.

… tom murray, 4 December, 2005 - 9:36am

Thanks

This helps.

… Beatriz Moisset, 4 December, 2005 - 9:41am