Brimstone and Friends - _TNY_4471
In early spring, the supply of food for insects depending on flowers is limited. One popular choice up here is sallow (Salix caprea), like this female brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni) is illustrating.
Near her are two Anthomyiidae flies which I think belong to the Egle genus, the willow catkin flies, which makes it appropriate to see them on the catkins of the sallow.
For a similar shot from the same occasion, here's a different butterfly with two different flies - but on the same sallow: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/49818016893/
Brimstone and Friends - _TNY_4471
In early spring, the supply of food for insects depending on flowers is limited. One popular choice up here is sallow (Salix caprea), like this female brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni) is illustrating.
Near her are two Anthomyiidae flies which I think belong to the Egle genus, the willow catkin flies, which makes it appropriate to see them on the catkins of the sallow.
For a similar shot from the same occasion, here's a different butterfly with two different flies - but on the same sallow: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/49818016893/