Eupeodes sp. male ID

TracyM · Joined: 12 Apr 2014 Posts: 11

I suspect this is Eupeodes luniger. I have photographed it to try to show the eye angle.

Does this look OK for E.luniger please? I am still struggling with the best way to view eye angles!

Is this a good size to post or should the photos be larger? These are 'medium' but seem to show up OK on the preview.

Tracy

Top view

Untitled by mothy10, on Flickr

Side view (just in case there is something useful)

Untitled by mothy10, on Flickr

Another top view

Untitled by mothy10, on Flickr

Roger K.A. Morris · Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 1583

Yes I think this is E. luniger

TracyM · Joined: 12 Apr 2014 Posts: 11

Thanks Roger.
I keep finding this confusing as the angle in the luniger I've found so far always seems bigger than its supposed to be according to the books (measures about 90 degrees rather than 70). That's what makes me think that I may be viewing from the wrong angle.
In Stubbs and Falk there is a mysterious 'see text' in the luniger description about eye angles but I've still not found what it referers to! It is a big book though!
Tracy

Roger K.A. Morris · Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 1583

I'm afraid this frons angle character is very difficult and gives cause to a lot of problems - I always check the microtrichia in specimens but obviously that is not possible from photos so a good many go down as Eupeodes sp.

TracyM · Joined: 12 Apr 2014 Posts: 11

Many thanks, I thought that might be the case. Microtrichia on this one will be checked in due course and I'll record photos/observations as Eupeodes sp.
Tracy