DIPTERA > BRACHYCERA | Higher Diptera

MUSCOMORPHA > ASCHIZA >  Syrphoidea > Syrphidae > Syrphinae > Syrphini

Syrphini is a particularly large tribe with over 80 species within 18 genera, representing nearly a third of all British hoverflies. It's of no surprise to note that there are quite a number of these species that I've yet to see, or indeed are likely to see, but hopefully my collection will grow over time. At the time of writing, I can feature species from eleven genera, starting here with Chrysotoxum.   

This genus includes eight species, although two of them are listed as being rare and endangered and another, Chrysotoxum arcuatum is found further north so, in reality, there are only five species that are likely to occur locally.

Chrysotoxum bicinctum and Chrysotoxum festivum are relatively common and readily identifiable from their distinctive abdominal markings, whereas the other three species can prove more difficult as they look rather similar.

Chrysotoxum verralli is mainly a central and eastern species and, as such, I was rather fortunate to find one in my local woods. That was a couple of years back in 2021 and, looking at the distribution data now I see that it's still one of the most westerly recorded.

The other two species are Chrysotoxum cautum and Chrysotoxum elegans. The latter is nationally scarce, but can be found locally particularly near the coast, whereas the former is predominantly a southern species listed as being frequent in grasslands and open sunny rides. Both are 'wasp mimics' and, appearance wise, look rather like Chrysotoxum verralli.

Chrysotoxum cautum is very similar to Chrysotoxum arcuatum but, as previously noted that species is not likely to be found locally. Chrysotoxum verralli on the other hand is difficult to separate from the rare heathland species Chrysotoxum octomaculatum, which has to be a consideration locally as it has been recorded from a couple of locations on the Purbecks.

Sept.24