Two Similar Hoverflies

Hoverfly, Eupeodes luniger, female, on chicory, Cichorium intybus.  Jubilee Country Park, 1 July 2011.

Here are two hoverflies that are quite difficult to tell apart. Not that they are unique in that! But with this pair, there is a way. In E. corollae, the yellow markings extend right down to the edge of the abdomen; in E. luniger, they do not, quite.

The E. luniger above is feeding on pollen on a Chicory flower in one of the few places locally where you can find it. This is in Jubilee Country Park, which is so pleased with its Chicories that the very smart flower is used in the park's logo. The E. corollae below is on a much more plebeian plant, the Common Ragwort. The location is Husseywell Park in Hayes, which derives its name from "Housewife's Well."

Hoverfly, Eupeodes corollae, on Common Ragwort, Senecio jacobaea, in Husseywell Park, Hayes,
on Monday 25th July 2011.