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Hoverflies are members of the family Syrphidae, the most user-friendly family of the true flies. Many are brightly and distinctively coloured, and some can be reliably identified in the field, though others are much less distinct and identification requires technical keys and a microscope. They have a variety of life-histories, especially in the larval stages, but as adults they are most familiar as visitors to flowers where they collect pollen and nectar. They are important pollinators as a result, and many are also useful in the garden as the larvae feed on aphids. A good introductory book is the Naturalist's Handbook Hoverflies (see Links & Resources page). The Hoverfly Recording Scheme has its own website
with current distribution maps.
I have recorded over 60 species in my garden alone. Many other species are known from the Highlands, and some like the Aspen Hoverfly Hammerschmidtia ferruginea (UK BAP page) and Blera fallax (UK BAP page) are very rare.
As many syrphids cannot be identified without technical keys and a microscope, specimens are required for all except the most obvious species or from experts in the group. Specimens may be killed by freezing, and then air-dried. If being sent by post, an old film canister with a piece of tissue is sufficient.
Records can be reported initially by email giving date, place, six-figure grid reference and any other relevant details. Directions for sending specimens for confirmation will then be provided.
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