<< Previous Next >>

Hoverfly with yellow flower


Hoverfly with yellow flower
Photo Information
Copyright: Paras Bhalla (parasbhalla) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 324 W: 0 N: 826] (3258)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-08-02
Categories: Insects
Camera: Sony Cybershot DSC P150
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/200 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-10-19 23:32
Viewed: 170
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
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.

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.

(Information Source: WiKiPedia)
Mikolaj, siggi, goldyrs, nikosrio, mamabear has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

nice macro of hover fly. thank you for sharing.

Hello Paras! Excellent macro, interesting fly, nice flower, perfect contrast and ideal sharpness. Good shot. Well done!

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1382 W: 56 N: 4768] (16394)
  • [2009-10-20 0:35]

Hello Paras,
Very good capture of this Marmalade Fly(Episyrphus balteatus) on bright yellow flower; great composition, sharp details and bright natural colours.
Best regards Siggi

An outstanding shot, Paras, by any standards!
Bravo!
Goldy

Ciao Paras. Elegant compo with very good details on insect.

Roberto

Excellent macro of this beautifull hoverfly, vivid colors and light, sharp details, great BG,
TFS, best regards,
Nikos.

Paras,
Beautiful composition with great sharpness and wonderful BG!
Best Regards,
Alina

hello Paras
very sharpness composition with great details
good light and beautiful colours
greeting lou

  • Great 
  • joska Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 414 W: 0 N: 1030] (5550)
  • [2009-10-20 8:58]

Great macro of this Insect!

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF