Most of my long time followers know that I love photography especially the very close up shots, macro. One of the things I have discovered about taking photo so close to the subject is you see things that normally you would overlook. Even more interesting are all the things you see after the photo has been downloaded to the big screen of the computer. The smallest details suddenly appear.
Many of you also know of my latest quest to get a perfect photo of a honey bee. It is probably a never ending quest but one I am enjoying. While finding bees who will agree to pose for my many photos I kept seeing other smaller insects that acted like bees. But these were most certainly not bees. I then turned my attention to them and began to photograph this interesting little creature as well.
When I finally had some photos I could then find out what they were. Oh my, I have found a bee fly.
The flower is a cranesbill and the honey bees and the bee flies love it! You can click on any of my photos to enlarge them.
Bee Flies are hairy with stout bodies and a long proboscis to gather nectar. Unlike bees they only have one pair of wings and the antennae are different from those of a bee. They don't have a stinger so don't worry about that. One other thing, and I am speaking from personal observation, Bee Flies are fast, very fast. They also have a great ability to hover. Taking photos of these little guys was a challenge.
A rear view, you will notice there is no stinger. You do not have to worry about getting stung.
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14 comments:
I didn't even know there was such a thing. I wonder if we have them here.
Never heard of them before. Very interesting.
How interesting indeed!pics are so clear & love the bees & flower,thanks for sharing.HAVE A GOOD DAY.
nice shots. Bees are hard to shoot because they never sit still. But if you get a good one, they are really cool up close.
Well, you learn something every day! I wonder why they are called "bee flies" -- and I love the picture of his little behind and the wings clearly visible in flight!
Oh yeah, that's what I thought of when I saw the photo yesterday, there were some of that here around the backyard, but I just thought they belong to another family of fly 'cos of their extraordinary color. I'll check if they have hive. Btw those were nice photos! How'd you do that?
AL
just a guess, aided by my Audubon society feild guide, but the first appears to be an augochlora green metallic bee and the other green one you posted earlier looks to be a virescent green metallic bee. very cool.
I too enjoy taking macro photos! I know that it isn’t easy at all taking photos of these guys because they quickly move from one place to another. It takes the time to get photos you can be satisfied with. Your findings are interesting and your photos really wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
I'm always amazed when I just stop wherever I am in the woods and look in 'macro'... Most people never realize the gazillion things they pass up every day!
Great shots! I never saw them either...
Wonderful photos and yet again something I've never noticed (if we have such things in the UK).
And thank you for the reassurance about the absence of sting :)
It is amazing enlarging your photos. Beautiful.
I love seeing the world through your eyes.
Anne
Wow..fantastic and interesting. I so look forward to your photos, thoughts, quotes. And thank-you for the kind words. Hope your out and about enjoying your quest for the perfecr bee. Have a great day!
SQ: Very nice capture of a neat find.
Oh, how beautiful the flower is, and the bee is just fantastic..
Love all your photos!
Icy
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