Terminator
In the last couple of days the ladybirds in my garden have looked rather overwhelmed by the thousands of aphids currently massed on the yarrow. Now though, there are some new predators in town, and these ones really are eating … Continued
Michaelmas hoverfly
I debated with myself for some time this evening over which of these two photos to feature. The extra, taken with flash in the darkest corner of the wild garden, is much better-focused than the main image, but in the … Continued
Hornet hoverfly
This is probably my favourite hoverfly – which is unfortunate, because I’m definitely not her favourite photographer. Unrequited love is such a drag. Given their spectacular looks, Volucella zonaria should be used to getting lots of attention, but they absolutely … Continued
Droning on
“Can you say ‘Eristalis tenax’?” I said to Baby B. He thought about this for several seconds, then said, “Uh.” And then a few seconds later, “Ay.” Good grief, I thought. The child is a genius! Is it too early … Continued
Getting lucky
As you know, I like a nice bit of bug porn, and I’m quite pleased with this capture, though the hoverflies looked less than thrilled at finding themselves starring unexpectedly in an X-rated photo shoot. I had to be cautious … Continued
Unconvincing
She’s pretending to be a bumblebee, bless her, but it’s not a very accurate impersonation. She’s Cheilosia illustrata, a hoverfly found primarily on umbellifers, and especially hogweed, whose roots are the preferred larval foodplant. August is the latter end of … Continued
