Sexual Acrobatics - The Next Generation - _TNY_8332
I discovered that these two mating daggerflies (Empididae) had a little Peeping Tom next to them in form of a small Metellina mengei (or possibly M. segmentata), but it probably seemed like a bit too large prey to take on.
Speaking of prey - the female daggerfly (the one below) can be seen holding the gift in form of a freshly killed insect which her suitor wrapped in silk and bestowed upon her before engaging in these activities.
Note the similar shots (sans spider) from last year which can be found in the same album (here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/albums/72157668166924676) as this shot.
Sexual Acrobatics - The Next Generation - _TNY_8332
I discovered that these two mating daggerflies (Empididae) had a little Peeping Tom next to them in form of a small Metellina mengei (or possibly M. segmentata), but it probably seemed like a bit too large prey to take on.
Speaking of prey - the female daggerfly (the one below) can be seen holding the gift in form of a freshly killed insect which her suitor wrapped in silk and bestowed upon her before engaging in these activities.
Note the similar shots (sans spider) from last year which can be found in the same album (here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/albums/72157668166924676) as this shot.