Eumerus strigatus

There are other very similar species and detailed examination is needed. This species closely resembles the Lesser Bulb-fly Eumerus funeralis which is more strongly associated with gardens. Males can be separated by examining the underside of the hind femora, which are entirely hairy without the shiny zone free of hairs and small tubercle found in funeralis. Separating females is more difficult, though the frons of strigatus is more heavily dusted and the 3rd antennal segment tends to be rhomboid rather than rounded. The narrow whitish dust stripes at the front of the the thorax tend to be better developed in strigata. Eumerus sogdianus (added to the British list in 2013) is even more similar and males can be separated using the key in Speight, Hauser & Withers, 2013, Eumerus  strigatus females cannot be separated from those of Eumerus sogdianus.

Eumerus sogdianus and Eumerus funeralis.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.