Platycheirus
With 25 species Platycheirus is the second largest genus of British hoverflies. So far 14 species have been recorded in the Outer Hebrides.
Characteristically Platycheirus species are small with long, narrow bodies which may have yellow or silver abdominal markings, with a black scutellum and face. In some species the front legs of males are ornamented and the tarsi are flattened.
Some species are more easy to identify than others and care is required, particularly with the identification of females. There is a useful guide in Ball, S & Morris, R. (2013) but it may be necessary to consult the more detailed desciption in Stubbs, A.E. & Falk, S.J. ( 2002).
Stubbs, A.E. & Falk, S.J. ( 2002) and Ball, S & Morris, R. (2013) should be consulted for full descriptions.