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A Bee or a Fly?


A Bee or a Fly?
Photo Information
Copyright: Foozi Saad (foozi) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 332 W: 0 N: 318] (1342)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-08-20
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon D80, Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG macro
Exposure: f/8, 1/80 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): Superb Macros [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-09-10 4:21
Viewed: 238
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 12
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Thanks Mr. Philippe Moniotte for the correction.
Now I have met the expert. Really appreciate it.
I really learn a lot today.
Just as then quite unusual for a fly and a flower. Busy sucking the sweetness out of the ever lasting flower, or just stopping-by at a button coat.
Flies in the Diptera family Syrphidae are commonly known as hoverflies, flower flies, or Syrphid flies.
As their common names suggest, they are often seen hovering or nectaring at flowers; the adults of many species feed mainly on nectar and pollen, while the larvae (maggots) eat a wide range of foods. In some species, the larvae are saprotrophs, eating decaying plant and animal matter in the soil or in ponds and streams. In other species, the larvae are insectivores and prey on aphids, thrips, and other plant-sucking insects.
Aphids alone cause tens of millions of dollars of damage to crops worldwide every year; because of this, aphid-feeding hoverflies are being recognized as important natural enemies of pests, and potential agents for use in biological control. Some adult syrphid flies are important pollinators.
About 6,000 species in 200 genera have been described. Hoverflies are common throughout the world and can be found on every continent except Antarctica.[1] Hoverflies are harmless despite their mimicry of the black and yellow stripes of wasps, which act to ward off predators.
Many species of hoverfly larvae prey upon pest insects, including aphids and the leafhoppers which spread some diseases like curly top. Therefore they are seen in biocontrol as a natural means of reducing the levels of pests.
Gardeners, therefore, will sometimes use companion plants to attract hoverflies. Those reputed to do so include alyssum, Iberis umbellata, statice, buckwheat, chamomile, parsley, and yarrow.
Argus, pablominto, JoseMiguel, jusninasirun has marked this note useful
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Nice composition. The picture is perthaps a little too dark (?)
But it is not a bee, it is a fly in the family Syrphidae : it has only one pair of wings!

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2707 W: 139 N: 7809] (24333)
  • [2008-09-10 6:44]

Hello Foozi,
Though this macro is a little soft, it is clear enough to show that this is a capture of a Hoverfly taken from a fine dorsal POV to show us the typical pair of antennae, the single pair of wings that is typical for all true flies (bees and wasps have two pairs of wings), and the large eyes that often almost meet in the middle, also typical for flies.
I hope this helps,
TFS and best wishes,
Ivan

hi foozi,
your images are fine, atleast the way you compose etc., but your post processing has to be improved a lot. the image is bit underexposed and colors are not clear. here is a workshop for you. your notes are wonderful to read. tfs.
nagraj.v

Hello Foozi,

This is an attractive composition, with the subject is well placed in the frame!
Good details in the insect and a fine colour palette...
I also take the opportunity to congrats on upload #100, even if you don't mention yourself!

Greetings,
Pablo -

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 412 W: 9 N: 1195] (4190)
  • [2008-09-14 11:52]

Hello Foozi,
Nice picture of hoverfly. For me there most beautiful are colours BG which distinguish object.
Regards, Siggi

Hi Foozi,
A very good macro of this insect.
I like the details got on the wing's transparencies, as well as in the rest of the body.
This is a difficult shot to have properly exposed, due to the almost pure white of the flower, but you managed to keep the details on the bug under control.
Good work and thanks for share.
My best regards,
JM

Assalamualaikum Foozi. I like the look of this hoverfly captured from fine POV. Might be a bit soft but displayed in such fine details and very good contrast. The wings with perfectly illuminated light have that shine I always look for with dragonfly. I have stayed away from bees and wasps after my seven severely sting-bites during my photo shoot and I am terribly allergic to insect bites. Please allow me to add this to my favorite list. Top drawer image and well done indeed. Regards. Jusni

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