DIPTERA > BRACHYCERA | Higher Diptera

MUSCOMORPHA > ASCHIZA >  Syrphoidea > Syrphidae > Eristalinae > Xylotini

Xylotini is a tribe composed of ten genera of which seven contain a single species.

Chalcosyrphus

There are two species, one of which is only found in a few specific woodland locations around the Welsh borders and the other, Chacosyrphus nemorum which is a hoverfly of wet woodlands, particularly in Alder carr. It is readily distinguished from similar-looking species by having a hairy underside to the thorax.

Syritta

The sole representative of the genus is Syritta pipiens, a small species that is unmistakable if you have a clear view of the greatly enlarged hind femora in conjunction with the heavily ash-grey dusted sides of the thorax.

Tropida

Another genus with just one species, Tropida scita which, at first glance, could easily be mistaken for one of the other species within the group, except that upon closer inspection it will be seen that they have a distinctive triangular 'tooth' on the hind femora.

Xylota

There are seven listed species, although only three, possibly four if you include Xylota florum, are normally considered. The remaining three are all nationally scarce.

Xylota segnis is the most common and widespread. It can be determined by the orange-red markings on the abdomen in conjunction with partly yellow legs, and particularly in the male, two rows of spines beneath the hind femur. 

Xylota sylvarum is one of two species with a golden 'tail' and if you can see that feature id should be pretty straightforward as the other species Xylota xanthocnema is smaller and much rarer. They can be separated by the colouration of the hind tibia, which are partially black in Xylota sylvarum, but more of a consistent, paler, reddish-orange colour in Xylota xanthocnema.

The other described species is Xylota jakutorum. I'm unlikely to encounter that one in East Dorset as it has a far more western and northern distribution. It is primarily found in pine plantations and is the species that could be confused with the previously noted Xylota florum.

Looking at all the information available I'm pretty sure that the only two species I'm likely to see locally are Xylota segnis and Xylota sylvarum, and given that they are distinguishable, they shouldn't be too difficult to identify. But, when I posted what I thought was a nicely detailed shot of a male Xylota segnis photographed at Moors Valley CP I was advised to leave it as Xylota sp., as the abdominal markings couldn't be seen and, consequently, there was insufficient detail for recording purposes. 

Sept.24