#1
I came across this pretty golden hoverfly hovering around a rotting fallen branch over a wet ditch at the edge of a coastal lagoon among heathland at Studland heath in Dorset UK. It land and began to lay eggs on the branch and I managed to get a few shots in profile only. I'm pretty sure it's Callicera aurata based on leg markings, but please advise if It's anoter Callicera. It's a rare fly in the UK, but recoded in Dorset.
#2
Beautiful observation. At what date did you take the picture ?
In the key of M.P.van Veen, with such antenna (length of antennal segment 1, 2 et 3) and this color of femora, it can only be a female of
Callicera aurata or
Callicera aenea, but
Callicera aenea does not seem to be registered in the UK.
Christine.
#3
Do you send your records in to the UK Hoverfly Recording Scheme, Nick? We'd appreciate the photo (of this Callicera aurata) and the record here, if you fancy adding it...https://www.facebook.com/groups/609272232450940/
#4
Sorry for the late responses, and thanks for the ID confirmation Christine. I didn't get an email alert for some reason and haven't visited the site for a while. The photo was taken on 19.7.16. I'd be happy to submit the record to the UK HRS but don't do Facebook. Is there another way?