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!
