Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Brachypalpus laphriformis female

Posted by Nikolay_D on 20-09-2021 15:49
#1
Hi,
Please, help me with the identification of this hoverfly. It was collected on the sunlit trunk of Betula in the evening. When disturbed, it started to fly around the trunk imitating the flight partten of a solitary bee.

Specimen data: May, 30, 2021, Russia, Moscow, edge of a mixed forest.

Body length: 11mm. Wingspan: 20mm.

i.imgur.com/Ln16KQY.jpg
Edited by Nikolay_D on 21-09-2021 07:00

Posted by Nikolay_D on 20-09-2021 15:53
#2
Photo№2 (same specimen)
i.imgur.com/e034LZe.jpg

Photo№3 (same specimen)
i.imgur.com/aal44uq.jpg

Photo№4 (same specimen)
i.imgur.com/hWNciPX.jpg

Photo№5 (same specimen)
i.imgur.com/ewUr2gt.jpg

Posted by Jan Maca on 20-09-2021 19:53
#3
A Merodon sp.

Posted by Nikolay_D on 20-09-2021 20:12
#4
Thank you for the help.
Is it possible to determine it down to the species level?

Posted by Sundew on 20-09-2021 22:27
#5
I disagree with Merodon. In that genus, wing vein R4+5 has a distinct loop. To me, it's a female of Brachypalpus laphriformis (compare https://www.flick...240971524/).
Regards, Sundew

Posted by Jan Maca on 21-09-2021 06:25
#6
Sorry fot mistake.

Posted by Nikolay_D on 21-09-2021 07:07
#7
Thanks for the correction of determination!
I looked through the flickr page on Brachypalpus laphriformis. The behavior of this fly imitating Osmia exactly matches what I have witnessed. Frankly speaking, when it was disturbed and started to fly around the trunk, I thought that the fly flew away and a bee just came to investigate. It was only when it settled for the second time that I realized the trick.