When I began this blog, I imagined that I'd be posting mainly birds and butterflies, but I'm finding myself drawn more and more to the little insects. I hadn't realized just how many and varied they are. A fly, for example, is not just the common Housefly my mother used to swat away from our dinner, saying, 'You don't know where it's been,' well, you do, but you don't want to think about it. In fact, there are estimated to be 240,000 species in the Diptera (two wings) order, and each one incredible close up. This male Black Snipefly, Chrysopilus cristatus for example has a beautiful wing pattern. The golden hairs on its thorax suggest that he is quite fresh.
This Long-footed Fly, one of the Dolichopodidae, is another attractive fly. A female, I think, due to the gap between the eyes, not to mention the piggy tails.
Of course, my fascination with flies might have as much to do with the weather and not much else being around as their complex beauty. Time will tell. Thanks to Ian at WAB for helping with ID!
I think the weather has much to do with it Omi. There is very litte of note to see in these conditions other than flies and a handful of bees!
ReplyDeleteJason, don't tell anyone, but it was when I started nature blogging that the weather turned! :/
DeleteHi Omi,
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! All good things come in small packages!
If you want to look at a good blog, check out my friend Brian Stones blog, he is a font of all knowledge when it comes to insects! http://thenaturalstone.blogspot.com
Well worth a look!
J
Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES
Thanks John, and thanks for the link, will check it out!
DeleteJust wait until you start getting interested in Hoverflies - you'll be hooked! :-)
ReplyDeleteI've seen a few, Steve, and you're right, I feel an obsession developing! :D
DeleteAha, so it's all your fault!! A fellow blogger said yesterday 'if only we had someone to blame for this weather'! Methinks, from your reply to Jason, that we do!! ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! I think this is where digital photography really comes into its own. Even the tiniest, apparently insignificant insect becomes fascinating when seen through a lens. Beetles could become an obsession too :-)
I hold my hand up, ShySongbird, sorry about that! [quickly scans blog to make sure home address isn't published anywhere]
ReplyDeleteThanks :D yes, zooming in on the little insects is like entering another world, isn't it! Beetles - I've always loved ladybirds (don't we all), but I never thought I'd enjoy being up close and personal with any other kind. How things can change, lol! Hubby, over at http://thelivingisle.blogspot.co.uk/ can't quite believe the change in me. I've always enjoyed nature but have only recently become so captivated by it.
Lovely pics Omi, Im afraid Ive been bitten by the bug too!! (apologies for the pun!) Ive just bought a macro lens for my camera which has opened up a whole new world of amazing bugs that ive never seen before, message to self: when its raining tomorrow I must update my blog again...!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave :) Haha, congratulations on your lens! I've wondered where you've been; looking forward to your next post!
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