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Could this fine Syrphidae enjoying the autumn Erica multiflora here near Rome in Italy be Eristalinus sepulchralis?



Thanks, Sarah

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You are almost right. This species is Eristalis aeneus, a female.
Nice picture

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Thanks Andre, both for the identification and the kind words. I don't suppose you happen to know of a good non-technical key for the Syrphidae, Sarah

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There is, unfortunately, no key to the syrphidae of the Iberian peninsula
Reason why I am shipping some specimens to Alicante today.
So, if you like to do some nessecary work: write this key!

Anyway, there are some sources on the internet. On Mark van Veen's site you may find some help (but does not contain all spanish species, so be carefull):
http://home.hccne...index.html
Then there are several sites with pictures, that can help you. To mention two:
www.syrphidae.com (which is currently offline)
http://perso.wana...aix/L.html

Have fun!

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Thanks again Andre for this useful information. I've bookmarked all the sites and I'll go back later to browse. One of the frustrating things for a beginning in the Diptera is the lack of readily available guides and keys accessible to the layman, but I will persist! Sarah

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Sarah,

All these links were available from the Web Links. Check the Online keys and Families sections.

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Please do persist Sarah, there's a lot to do in Italy!

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I certainly will Andre... the enthusiasm grows daily , Sarah