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Can anyone identify this insect?

  • 16-07-2012 10:32am
    #1
    cojack101
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 330 ✭✭


    Hi all,

    Caught this little guy in my kitchen last night. A little smaller than a 1 euro coin.

    Can anyone identify it?

    Cheers,

    Cojack

    mcyZ4.jpg

    YoShQ.jpg

    y3rT7.jpg


Comments

  • #2
    Rubecula
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,551 ✭✭✭Rubecula


    I can't be 100% sure from the photo but it may be one of the many species of Tachinidae. A fly often used by farmers to help keep down pests as it lays it's eggs on feeding insects. The reason I am not sure is that there are so many species of them.

    The other possibility is that it is some form of Hover Fly, but it looks to be a bit too stout for that. Look up Vollucella zonaria as that bears a strong resemblance.


  • #3
    cojack101
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 330 ✭✭cojack101


    Good man/woman yourself, Hoverfly, right on the button.

    Are they common in Ireland? Why would it turn up in a kitchen in south Dublin? Wiki says they are usually found in artic / nearctic regions?


  • #4
    Rubecula
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,551 ✭✭✭Rubecula


    Hoverflies are pretty widespread, and although not as common as house flies and such can be found all over the place in one variety or another. Living in a temperate climate such as ours may allow them to appear in colder and cooler summers. Never seen one in snowy conditions myself and as they are insects I really don't expect to.

    In Holland and Belgium alone over 300 species exist!. In Britain About 270 species are known at present.

    This may help:

    http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artmay07/cd-hoverflies.html


  • #5
    Mothman
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,498 ✭✭✭Mothman


    This is Volucella pellucens

    A widespread species in Ireland


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