Dragonfly & Horsefly

[Geoff F]

First Emperor Dragonfly that I have managed to photograph in several years. An immature specimen resting amongst the rushes and behind some ferns. I managed to gently part the ferns for a better shot but only this angle was available.



And the first Horsefly of the year! This one is a male, and they don't bite; but there will be plenty of those bloodsucking females to follow.

Not completely sure until I check other angles but it is probably Haematopota pluvialis.



Now for something completely different. Not an impressive looker, but if this little hoverfly turns out to be what I think it is, then all those months of bug hunting will have been worthwhile.



That is the thing about bug hunting - very occasionally you hit the jackpot and find something uncommon which really makes you go wow!

Microdon myrmicae (subject to confirmation by someone who is a lot cleverer than me).

[Shadowman]

1st one is a decent shot just needs a bit of separation from the background.

[Otavio]

All very nice, Geoff! Great level of details. Regards,

[deetheturk]

Great series Geoff, love #2

[FootLoose]

I love the first shot, Jeff. The detail of the veins in the wings is incredible, and the reflections enhance them beautifully.

[Jeffbridge]

Beautiful captures; excellent series!!

[vaez]

excellent series

[bnnrcn]

Very nice shots Geoff Details are excellent in #1, the eyes are very interesting in #2. May be you can shoot some more of #2 , it would be interesting to see it from different angles.

[wlou]

Great set of pictures Geoff. #1 so dreamy,#2 what eyes and details, #3 would you care to explain why it is so special to you?

[Geoff F]

I do have more shots of the horsefly from the side, Binnur, yet to be edited; but they don't show the eye band and face as well as this angle. It doesn't look like a terrifying horsefly from those angles!

The thing about #3, Louise, is that it is an uncommon and very localised species, and when photographing for identification it is always good to find something like that. It also proves that the site is being managed well.