Pollen Catcher by danob
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Description
Hover flies are in the Family of insects known as Syrphidae with just two wings like all the true flies, most other flying insects have four. The adults feed mainly on nectar and pollen, as you can see this one is covered in pollen, and can be seen among the flower borders hovering near to the blossoms. This one was enjoying a sunbathe on a colourful garden Shrub in my garden, which I thought made a lovely backdrop despite the bright light.
There are many species of hoverflies, and some have striking markings resembling wasps and bees, possibly to deter predators.
The larvae feed on aphids and other plant-sucking insects such as thrips. The female lays her eggs singly near to the sucking pests and the larvae hatch a few days later and are fully developed after about three weeks.
The pupal stage which follows lasts for a further two to three weeks depending on the external conditions. There can be several generations throughout the year, but the final generation overwinters as pupae mainly in the soil before emerging the following spring.
There is some commercial use of hover flies as a biological control of aphids with the added bonus of aiding pollination as the adults feed.
Comments (34)
stuart83
Excellent capture of the pollen on this fly, also looks like it's cleaning it's wings Stuart
Richardphotos
besides they are the only fly I consider to be beautiful and do not carry germs as much like their nasty cousins.outstanding macro and clarity
MaydaMason
perfect focus with a perfect enviroment!
lizzibell
Perfect...
marybelgium
superb close up ! oerfect ! bravo !
RobyHermida
Espectacular Dani!!!! Bravo!!!! Roby ;O)
elmurray
Wonderful close-up of this hover fly, Danny. Bravo! Eileen xxx
kansas
Excellent capture. Wonderful detail.
Littlejock
Very nice colours in this macro. I can see the pollen. Excellent work
MrsLubner
Wow, the full-size view is the key to this one, huh? Excellent detail and focus. I find the yellow a bit hard on my eyes though but in the larger view that seems to diminish quite a bit since I can concentrate more on the detail in the fly.
Margana
And they are so tiny! That's why I find it remarkable that you even managed to capture the pollen on him in this.Excellent done, Danny.
BorisB
I like the wonderful colors, excellent work!!
LudyMelltSekher
{@}>---Hello my dear friend, Absolutely fantastic!!!!Wonderful Photography an excellent composition as usual, Congratulations! A million stars from me!!! Have a wonderful Monday. (Thank you so much for your encouraging comments) Hug and kiss in Your heart. Luminous blesing. Ludy@>--->---
Ionel
Excellent capture!
sharky_
Very interesting and useful information. Excellent capture. Aloha
mhyrdin
Always very informed comments and splendid shots Dan ! Bravo !
ascrazy
perfect shot:-)
monjo71
Awesome colors. Great shot Danny.
Fred255
Very good photo, very bright!
mark.spooner
Very nice macro!
RodolfoCiminelli
Wonderful macro of great detail.......!!!!
Onslow
Lovely capture Dan - I went to lecture about once Amber and how these insects have been around for millions of years. Amazing to see perfect specimens preserved complete with pollen in beads of Amber.
BibbyBear
This is a must view at full size just to see all that pollen covering this little guy. Perfect focus and clarity. Excellent capture Dan, great shot! xx
sema_fox
Remarkable copy, the smart description and good photo
MedTran39
Truly super shot!
Blush
Picture perfect... Excellent capture... I just uploaded a new one too Drop by if ya haven't already:) Hugs Susan~
helanker
The most lovely little fly. You did a wonderful job catching it cleaning its wings. Bravo !!!!
erlandpil
Nice picture in nice color erland
tallpindo
There is something controlling about filming pollen being picked up that smacks of non-compete clauses in employment contracts. The adding machine tapes of auditers have morphed into films.
Janiss
Such marvellous macro!