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Hoverfly


Hoverfly
Photo Information
Copyright: Paras Bhalla (parasbhalla) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 317 W: 0 N: 814] (3170)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-08-05
Categories: Insects
Camera: Sony Cybershot DSC P150
Exposure: f/3.2, 1/80 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-11-01 1:36
Viewed: 122
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
General Information on "Hoverfly" from Web Dictionary WiKiPedia:

Flies in the 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 to most other animals despite their mimicry of the black and yellow stripes of wasps, which serves 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.

Stubbs, A.E. and Falk, S.J. (2002) British Hoverflies An Illustrated Identification Guide. Pub. 1983 with 469 pages, 12 col plates, b/w illus.British Entomological and Natural History Society [ISBN 1-899935-05-3]. 276 species are described with extensive keys to aid identification. 190 species are displayed on the colour plates. 2nd edition, pub. 2002, includes new British species and name changes. Also includes European species which are likely to be found in Britain. There are additional black & white plates illustrating the male genitalia of the difficult genera Cheilosia and Sphaerophoria.
Vockeroth , J.R. A revision of the genera of the Syrphini (Diptera: Syrphidae) Memoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada, no. 62:1-176. Keys subfamilies, tribes and genera on a world basis and under regions. (Source: WiKiPedia)
horias, maurydv, cirano, boreocypriensis, goldyrs, marianas has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Paras
Lovely hoverfly!
Wonderful macro, great colors and details.
Congratulation!
Horia

Hello Paras,

a nice macro shot from these hooverfly.
Good pov and dof with fine warm colours.

Gert

Hi Paras,
Hoverfly with a beautiful macro composition ...
Color and detail are very good.
have a nice weekend,
Seyfi

Ciao Paras, splendid hoverfly with fine details and excellent sharpness, wonderful colors, very well done, have a good Sunday, ciao Silvio

Hello Paras,
a very beautiful colourful composition, very good sharpness and fantastic light.
TFS
Best regards
Maurizio

Slav Paras,
Very nice composition with great colors and details.TFS and regards,
Dűrzan

Ciao Paras. Little OOF but good colours and contrast. Nice compo.

Roberto

Hi Paras,

Here we also have these little flies! ... I can assure you they are very small, I've never been able to focus well one of them. Until now it has been impossible because I think they are the limit of my ability to focus with my compact camera.

However, Paras friend, you are a master in handling your Sony DSC p150! ... congratulations friend! yuo're taking full advantage of your camera. Very good result!

TFS

Jesús

Namastay Bhaijaan Paras,

Fine macro of a tiny hoverfly from lateral POV with perfect focus, soft lighting and delightful composition.
TFS this and take care you while i was absent MF!
Cheers,

Bayram

Lovely bright colours, L'il Bro!
Very well composed!
Goldy

hello Paras
very nice composition with good BG. and great colours
greeting lou

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