Hoverflies on the cliffs

There are over 200 species of Hoverfly in the UK. I don’t know any of them and have to rely on support to identify them. This one is Eristalis arbustorum. It’s common and widespread. It’s no accident that it looks like a bee: Looking like something which could give you a hefty sting must be a great evolutionary advantage.

Eristalis arbustorum - Hoverfly - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

This one is Helophilus pendulus. It’s another common and widespread species. Just because it’s common and widespread in the UK doesn’t mean the same will apply to one of the more remote Orkney islands though.

Helophilus pendulus - Hoverfly - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

It’s having a great time on a thistle.

There’s a smaller Hoverfly with bright yellow comma-shaped marks on its back. It’s Eupeodes corollae.

Eupeodes corollae - Hoverfly - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

And here’s one which loves bogs, Sericomyia silentis:

Sericomyia silentis - Hoverfly - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

There are so many other Hoverflies here at the moment. It’s not that they are too quick for me, it’s just that I’m too slow for them.

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