snack time...
Aug 9, 2018 07:44:36 #
I think this is a hoverfly with a snack. The image is cropped to ~3 MP from 24 MP since this guy is so small, so the image isn't the best sharpness, but I am glad I got the compound eye in focus.
Taken with a reversed Canon 50 mm FD F/1.4 on Nikon D610.
Taken with a reversed Canon 50 mm FD F/1.4 on Nikon D610.
Aug 9, 2018 09:01:48 #
Aug 9, 2018 17:15:38 #
I am not convinced this is a Hoverfly but it has made a good catch. 
Aug 9, 2018 18:04:27 #
Aug 10, 2018 22:19:21 #
Adult hoverflies (Syrphidae) are not predators. This is a small robber fly (Asilidae).
Aug 11, 2018 09:20:57 #
Aug 11, 2018 09:21:58 #
Thanks for the comment. As Mark suggested, you are correct.
Now we need to ID the victim! :-)
Now we need to ID the victim! :-)
EnglishBrenda wrote:
I am not convinced this is a Hoverfly but it has made a good catch.
Aug 11, 2018 09:22:09 #
Aug 11, 2018 09:33:52 #
Thanks for your insightful comment.
After Brenda's remark I began to notice that the shape of the "antenna" seemed different than hoverflies. Also I have noticed that little yellow appendage just behind where the wings attach on robber flies. I am still new at identifying insects, and am still learning what features help distinguish between different species. Learning from you experts is so very helpful - Thanks!
After Brenda's remark I began to notice that the shape of the "antenna" seemed different than hoverflies. Also I have noticed that little yellow appendage just behind where the wings attach on robber flies. I am still new at identifying insects, and am still learning what features help distinguish between different species. Learning from you experts is so very helpful - Thanks!
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
Adult hoverflies (Syrphidae) are not predators. This is a small robber fly (Asilidae).
Aug 11, 2018 22:28:04 #
enygy wrote:
Thanks for your insightful comment.
After Brenda's remark I began to notice that the shape of the "antenna" seemed different than hoverflies. Also I have noticed that little yellow appendage just behind where the wings attach on robber flies. I am still new at identifying insects, and am still learning what features help distinguish between different species. Learning from you experts is so very helpful - Thanks!
After Brenda's remark I began to notice that the shape of the "antenna" seemed different than hoverflies. Also I have noticed that little yellow appendage just behind where the wings attach on robber flies. I am still new at identifying insects, and am still learning what features help distinguish between different species. Learning from you experts is so very helpful - Thanks!
Winged insects generally have two pairs of wings, but flies have only one pair of wings. The yellow appendage behind the wings are actually highly modified hind wings called halteres. These are used as balancing organs in flies. In some flies the halteres are brightly colored.
Aug 12, 2018 03:11:34 #
enygy wrote:
Thanks for the comment. As Mark suggested, you are correct.
Now we need to ID the victim! :-)
Now we need to ID the victim! :-)
Looks to be a small true bug. Maybe a 'Chinch bug'. Bill
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