Eristalis

A genus containing some of the most common and abundant hoverflies in the UK. Abdominal patterns can vary widely and characters such as leg colouration, the presence or absence of a facial stripe and dark areas in the wings are more reliable identification characteristics. Most species resemble honey bees to a greater or lesser extent, the exception being Eristalis intricarius which is a bumblebee mimic.

Eristalis abusivus - Localised species, mid tibia entirely pale or at most diffusely dark at apex, female with obvious stripes on thoracic dorsum

Eristalis arbustorum - Common and widespread species, no dark stripe on face

Eristalis cryptarum - Endangered species at risk of extinction. Legs and antennae orange throughout.

Eristalis horticola - Widespread species, diffusely darkened area in wing. Obvious dark stripe on face

Eristalis interruptus - Common and widespread smallish species, obvious dark stripe on face and distinct quadrate sigma on wing

Eristalis intricarius - bumblebee mimic with furry body, similar to Merodon equestris but with tibia pale in basal half

Eristalis pertinax - Common and widespread species. Large with entirely orange front tarsi and hind tibia pale in basal half

Eristalis rupium - Northern and Welsh species. Large species with obvious dark area on wing and hind metatarsi pale

Eristalis similis - Few UK records of migrants. Large species with dark front tarsi, hind tibia pale in basal half and extensively dusted face

Eristalis tenax - Very common species. Large with dark front tarsi and broad dark facial stripe.