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Photographed this a week or so ago in southern England - but which species? Syrphus vitripennis?

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Syrphus ribesii????
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regards

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Hi Chris,

Unfortunately we can't see the hind femur which I believe is the distinguishing feature between female S.ribesii mainly yellow and S. vitripennis black.

regards Chas

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Hi Chas

Yes, it's a pity that part is obscured - I was just hoping someone might know another way to ID them

Cheers
Chris R.

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Chris

S ribesii is usually bigger than S vitripennis, but you probably know that already too. My impression is that S vitripennis is somewhat more common, has hind legs that are generally darker in the tarsi and tibia as well as having the dark part to the femor, and the antennae are slightly darker. Some of the older literature talks about ribesii having a dull thorax and vitripennis being shiny I believe. But it still isn't enough to give you a definite ID.