Many thanks for this posts, bookmarked it!
I will take care and have a look to it next time I will shot insects.
There are so many different families and species, that it is a little bit difficult for newbies. But i'm still confused with bees and hoverflies.
I am happy to know that this post is of use for you!
But i'm still confused with bees and hoverflies.
If you check your pictures you will notice that hoverflies (like all flies) have only two wings (bees and wasps have four).
Then, furthermore, I think one can recognize kind of a 'white spot' on the back/side of the flies in some of your pictures. These reduced wings are called "halteres". Please check this image.
The eyes of hoverflies are huge, their antennae very short, and their proboscis looks different than the one of bees.
I will put the same comment also under your post.
RE: Little guide to avoid typical mistakes when determining insects and other arthropods.