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Wildlife Spotting

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41.9172, -87.6327

Field Notes

Description:

Anyone know what kind of bug this is? I thought it was a fly, but I can't find it on any of the fly lists for Illinois. Is that a stinger at the end of him? Is it a form of very small wasp? I love the intricate pattern on his back, but I can't find anything like it on the picture lists I've found.

Species ID Suggestions

Flower fly (female)

Toxomerus marginatus

Comments (5)

I found this: Toxomerus sp. And the red seems to be a variation, most are more yellow and black. But the shape here seems to be a little closer than the Episyrphus.
Its probably Eristalis or related to that genus. Those flies are mimethic to bees and wasps.
That was my first thought too, but I can't find one with those markings anywhere on the 'net. Any ideas what kind exactly it is?

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