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Episyrphus balteatus


Episyrphus balteatus
Photo Information
Copyright: Thijs van Balen jr (Pentaxfriend) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 514 W: 24 N: 1888] (8048)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2010-06-12
Categories: Insects
Camera: Pentax K20D, Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Macro 1:1, Digital ISO 400, 55mm B+W Skylight KR1,5
Exposure: f/14.0, 1/125 seconds
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2010-06-13 9:19
Viewed: 2945
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Syrphidae
Subfamily: Syrphinae
Tribe: Syrphini
Genus: Episyrphus
Species: E. balteatus
Binomial name: Episyrphus balteatus

Episyrphus balteatus, sometimes called the marmalade hoverfly , is a relatively small hoverfly (9–12 mm) of the Syrphidae family, widespread throughout all continents. Like most other hoverflies it mimics a much more dangerous insect, the solitary wasp, though it is a quite harmless species. The upper side of the abdomen is patterned with orange and black bands. Two further identification characters are the presence of secondary black bands on the 3rd and 4th dorsal plates and of faint greyish longitudinal stripes on the thorax.

E. balteatus can be found throughout the year in various habitats, including urban gardens, visiting flowers for pollen and nectar. They often form dense migratory swarms, which may cause panic among people for its resemblance to wasps. It is among the very few species of flies capable of crushing pollen grains and feeding on them. The larva is terrestrial and feeds on aphids.

As in most other hoverflies, males can be easily identified by their holoptic eyes, i.e., left and right compound eyes touching at the top of the head.
cicindela, Miss_Piggy, siggi has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Thijs!
Very nice composition and great DOF. I like thatyou kept entire flower in the picture. Sharpness and light are also good, and the note interesting.
All the best from Lodz,
Radomir

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3396 W: 172 N: 3310] (10940)
  • [2010-06-13 9:46]

Hello Thijs,
A brilliant capture of this little Hoverfly on the pretty wilting flower. Fantastic focus and great details of both! Very well composed too and good use of the fill flash as it still looks like a natural background, not totally black!
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5137 W: 166 N: 13121] (49139)
  • [2010-06-13 10:01]

Hallo Thijs,
Erg mooie foto in prachtig licht. Super scherpe details. Genomen vanuit een ideaal standpunt in een goede compositie. Mooie donkere contrasterende achtergrond.
Groet,
Peter

Fantastic sharp shot, Thijs, I also like the motive so much. It's a lovely tiny hoverfly, very good work, thanks
Sabine - wishnugaruda

  • Great 
  • zetu Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 967 W: 26 N: 3888] (16941)
  • [2010-06-13 12:27]

Hello
Excellent work Thijs! All is perfect!
Thanks for sharing
Razvan

great closeup, TFS Ori

Hallo Thijs
How delightful is this lovely, colourful image which is jam packed with beauty and splendour. It is a warm and inviting image, and reminds me of summer. The colours of both the flower and the hoverfly is really striking. The crown of the flower is clear and prominent. This is my kind of photograph. Colourful, warm, unpretentious and pleasing to the eye. Thanks for sharing. Best regards.
Anna

  • Great 
  • nagraj Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1618 W: 106 N: 3208] (15166)
  • [2010-06-14 1:29]

Hi,
Beautifully captured image, good composition and lovely details. tfs.
nagraj.v

Hello Thijs,

Wonderful macro image,good composition,lighting, background....its perfect image. well done.TFS.

Shekar.

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3097 W: 109 N: 12399] (52850)
  • [2010-06-14 23:52]

Hello Thij,
a great macro shot for this marmalade hoverfly under nice lighting. Details looks wonderful. Colors, POV and composition also superb. BG great, in fantastic color. Thanks for sharing. Best regards siggi

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