2108_0150 Hoverfly
Still in my backyard, although we have moved on from migratory birds and will close with a couple of insect shots. Here's one of my most welcome insect residents.
Hoverflies are harmless bee mimics that do not sting. They feed on plant nectar and are sometimes called flower flies. Not only are they beneficial pollinators, but their larvae feed heavily on aphids. In addition to all this, they are quite beautiful. About 6,000 species of hoverfly exist worldwide, so I have decided not to drive myself crazy trying to ID them down to species. Several species appear in my garden each summer, some large, some very small, and carrying different markings that no doubt would help with ID. I am content just to enjoy them.
Photographed in my backyard Val Marie, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission ©2021 James R. Page - all rights reserved.
2108_0150 Hoverfly
Still in my backyard, although we have moved on from migratory birds and will close with a couple of insect shots. Here's one of my most welcome insect residents.
Hoverflies are harmless bee mimics that do not sting. They feed on plant nectar and are sometimes called flower flies. Not only are they beneficial pollinators, but their larvae feed heavily on aphids. In addition to all this, they are quite beautiful. About 6,000 species of hoverfly exist worldwide, so I have decided not to drive myself crazy trying to ID them down to species. Several species appear in my garden each summer, some large, some very small, and carrying different markings that no doubt would help with ID. I am content just to enjoy them.
Photographed in my backyard Val Marie, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission ©2021 James R. Page - all rights reserved.