This is the female marmalade hoverfly, Episyrphus balteatus. We have a lot of these tiny hoverflies visiting the garden throughout the warmer months, hovering from one bloom to another in their black and yellow jackets.
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Did you take this photo, Carrie? If so, you are a very accomplished photographer. And you even know the Latin name for the insect! Impressive.
Yes, I took the photograph, Christer. Macro photography is one of my other hobbies. As is watching the little things around me; I always feel compelled to find out what I’ve seen 🧐
I love it. And thank you for sharing such informative information, Carrie. I learn a lot from you.
Thank you for commenting Lotchie. It’s nice being able to share the things that I’ve learned with other people.
Carrie, is that brown spot on the hover flies head, its eyes? If so why is it so huge?
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I would imagine the hoverfly eyes are as complex as the eyes of other flies. Each eye will be made up of thousands of lenses which are much better than our eyes at seeing differences in light and colour. They will have a very wide field of vision and be able to easily detect movement, such as incoming predators, so they can make a hasty retreat if required.
This image is delicately wonderful. I also like how you have identified it. I have no idea how you managed to do it, but it really adds to your description. I also like how you described them as having ‘black and yellow jackets’.
I love the little things in life, not quite so much when I’m trying to photograph them, but it makes it worth it if you can get a reasonable end shot.