Helophilus fasciatus

Moved

… John F. Carr, 18 December, 2011 - 4:26pm

details on ID?

Thanks for the species ID, John--had always suspected this was fasciatus. Can you give us all some idea what the important characters are? I saw on another image someone mentioned the stripe in the middle of the face, "from eyes to antennae", or something like that. Is that the distinguishing feature on this series?

… Cotinis, 18 December, 2011 - 6:07pm

Black marks

Only two species live in North Carolina. The key for Oklahoma on the genus page or the plate on the Syrphidae of Ontario page will distinguish them. The female of H. fasciatus usually has a T shaped black mark above the antennae. It seems to be somewhat variable but is clear here. The male of fasciatus can be distinguished by the narrow gap between the eyes relative to latifrons.

… John F. Carr, 18 December, 2011 - 6:26pm

Nice series, Patrick.

I think you're right on gender. Here's a post where it was expertly determined:

(I'm guessing you've already seen this, but thought the reference might help others.)

… Ron Hemberger, 18 November, 2008 - 10:41am

Thanks

No, I had not seen that, thanks. This is a confusing genus, that is for sure. It seems like we should be able to get the species on some more of our photos, but perhaps that is too much to ask!

I'm going to summarize the characters on this guide page for the genus and reference these, and other, photos as appropriate. Comments and corrections are much appreciated.

… Cotinis, 18 November, 2008 - 6:42pm