Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#45761
Syrphid? - Somula

Syrphid? - Somula
Hampshire County, Massachusetts, USA
May 20, 2004
Looks like a wasp-mimic, but I don;t know if it is a Syrphid or a type of Soldier fly...any ideas?

Syrphid
The wing venation is that of a syrphid. It is actually easiest to see in the shadow of the wing!
Anyway, most syrphids have a distinctive series of closed cxells at the wing margin, and they have a "vena spuria" as well, although it is not obvious in this picture.
-Sean McCann


triatoma.blogspot.com

 
I agree.
This is probably Somnula decora, a really lovely, unique syrphid that I think mimics scoliid wasps. Nice shot!

 
Thanks Eric!
Are you pretty sure on the ID...should I build a guide page for it?