TEST

Malometasternum rufocaudatum

1 A bee-mimic hover fly at Higgins, ACT

Malometasternum rufocaudatum at Higgins, ACT - 27 Nov 2022
Malometasternum rufocaudatum at Higgins, ACT - 27 Nov 2022
Malometasternum rufocaudatum at Higgins, ACT - 27 Nov 2022
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Identification history

Malometasternum rufocaudatum 16 Jun 2023 MichaelMulvaney
Unidentified 15 Jun 2023 AlisonMilton

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7 comments

   16 Jun 2023
That fly is a great bee mimic and one that I have not come across before. I will be interested to learn exactly what it is. (The antennae give it away.)
   16 Jun 2023
Moved to Unidentified Diptera
   16 Jun 2023
I am informed that it is Malometasternum rufocaudatum.
RogerF wrote:
   16 Jun 2023
Well spotted Alison. I've never seen this bee mimic either. Looks like its a Megachile hackeri mimic but is smaller. Obviously a pollen feeder like most Syrphids. Is it on A. genistifolia? Co-ordinates not quite right -middle of road.
AlisonMilton wrote:
   17 Jun 2023
Hi Roger, I've corrected the location. The plant it was feeding on is more likely Acacia dealbata though I can't be sure that's completely accurate. There are two mature buses just a few minutes from my place so I'll look for it again in spring.
RogerF wrote:
   17 Jun 2023
It may be an immigrant to the ACT as many Syrphids are migratory.
RogerF wrote:
   17 Jun 2023
I think it could be added to significant sightings

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Location information

Sighting information

Additional information

  • 5mm to 12mm Animal size
  • Alive / healthy Animal health
  • Feeding on nectar or pollen Insect behaviour on flower
  • True Pollinator Insect on Flower

Species information

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  • More than one media file
  • Verified by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
  • GPS evidence of location
  • Description
  • Additional attributes
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