View allAll Photos Tagged hoverfly
This hoverfly was photographed on a buddleia flower in our garden. Syrphus vitripennis is a fairly widespread in Britain and frequents a wide range of habitats. It can be found from March to November peaking slightly in May, but is most abundant in July and August. It is also a noted migrant.
The larvae feed on aphids and are considered a useful garden species for this reason.
First venture out with the Olympus 300mm. E-M1/300mm + 1.4x TC.
Press L for a larger and nicer view :-)
Flies in the Diptera family Syrphidae are commonly known as hoverflies, flower flies, or Syrphid flies.
As their common names suggest, they are often seen hovering or nectaring at flowers; the adults of many species feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae (maggots) eat a wide range of foods. In some species, the larvae are saprotrophs, eating decaying plant and animal matter in the soil or in ponds and streams. In other species, the larvae are insectivores and prey on aphids, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects.
best viewed LARGE:
Expect the unexpected! I had time in the garden at Bamburgh with different lenses to try at some insect life.
Canon 1Ds Mk III + TSE90 f2.8 + 25mm focus ring - ISO 400 - 1/640th @ f8 Full forward tilt
We have seen many hoverflies this summer. We've never noticed them before moving to Scotland. We didn't even know their name and had to ask our friend Jaana. They are so pretty, looking like miniature helicopters. It amazes us how they can stay still in the air by quickly rotating their wings.
Sometimes called flower flies or syrphid flies, they are often seen hovering or nectaring at flowers. All hoverflies have a single functional pair of wings (the hindwings are reduced to balancing organs). They are brightly colored, with spots, stripes, and bands of yellow or brown covering their bodies. Due to this coloring, they are often mistaken for wasps or bees; they exhibit Batesian mimicry. Despite this, hoverflies are harmless.
Texture with thanks to Kim Klassen
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Today's back garden safari... hoverflies! Very tricky to photograph - they're tiny, they don't stay still for long, don't come close and it's hard to get a focus on them. Going to stick with birds from now on ...