Hoverflies of Britain and North-west Europe : A Photographic Guide

The most complete photographic field guide to hoverflies of Britain and North-west Europe ever written. An essential part of our eco-systems, hoverflies are the second most important pollinators after bees but sadly, more than a third of all European species are now under threat of extinction. Written by two leading experts, Hoverflies of Britain and North-west Europe is the first and only photographic field guide to cover all 400 hoverfly species occurring in Britain and neighbouring countries in such detail. Each species account contains a description, population status, ecology and habitat, an up-to-date map of its distribution across North-western Europe, a flight time diagram and guidance on differentiating similar species. There are also detailed illustrations and stunning full-colour macro photographs in each account, showing key features of the species to aid accurate identification. This is the ultimate photographic field guide to hoverflies, and a perfect introduction into the world of these important pollinators, both for amateur and expert entomologists alike. Cover Half-title Title Copyright Contents Quick index Acknowledgements Introduction Is it a hoverfly? Finding hoverflies Hoverflies as a way to evaluate and appreciate the environment Identifying hoverflies Is collecting still necessary? Creation of this guide Keys Main key Key 1 Key 1A Ant flies Microdon puparia Key 2 Plumehorns Volucella Key 3 Key 3A Key 3B Blacklets Cheilosia and Garlic eater Portevinia Key 3C Key 4 Key 4A Globetails Sphaerophoria Key 4B Key 4C Aphideaters Eupeodes Key 5 Key 6 Species accounts Index