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Photo#321314
Hover Flies (?) on Common Mullein - Toxomerus geminatus - male

Hover Flies (?) on Common Mullein - Toxomerus geminatus - Male
Granby, Hartford County, Connecticut, USA
August 16, 1999
Size: 1/4 to 3/8"
These flies were all gathering pollen on a Common Mullein plant. The first one is the only one who kept its wings spread while it was landed. It looks like it has different markings on the abdomen than the others (i.e. 5 black band instead of 4 and that arrow shape in the middle of the 3rd band and maybe 4 and 5 as well). The others also appear to have a shinier thorax. They kept wings together when landed. They also had that interesting pink and green pastel shading when their wings were together. They appear to be 2 different species.

Other flies found nearby:

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

Re: Hover Flies
Photo#321314 appears to be a Toxomerus species. The others are different. Normally, photos of different individuals should not be linked.

 
Yes, Toxomerus geminatus, a male.
All are syrphids aka hover flies aka flower flies. While you've provided nice images, I can't make out the pattern on the back of the others. If you have a shot that shows that - even if blurry - please post.

 
Syrphid Fly
I don't have a good picture of the abdomen of the other fly. I posted another image which is the best I have.

 
Excellent job of reformatting your original post!
.

 
oops...
I did that right before I ran out of the house to get to work. I should have left a comment.

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