Hoverfly (Episyrphus Balteatus)

PeterD-2009 · May 18, 2011

I remember, as a child, walking in open fields and hearing the buzz all around me. Each time I moved, the buzz would follow me. Terrified, I thought I had come across bees and wasps but really, looking back on it now, they were probably harmless hoverflies.

This species of hoverfly is pretty common at this time. It is taking the nectar and pollen from this flower which illustrates the great BENEFIT that these flies bring. They probably are the best pollinators around.

Comments etc welcome as always

WilliamClark77 · May 19, 2011

Beautiful captures. Many orchards probably owe quite a bit of their harvest to these guys.

laisyleeola · May 19, 2011

cracking shots Peter...first ones a beaut.

Lord Vetinari · May 19, 2011

Lovely shots

PeterD-2009 · May 19, 2011

WilliamClark77 wrote: »

Beautiful captures. Many orchards probably owe quite a bit of their harvest to these guys.

laisyleeola wrote: »

cracking shots Peter...first ones a beaut.

Lord Vetinari wrote: »

Lovely shots

Thank you all for your very kind comments

DeVil · May 20, 2011

Nice shots, well done Peter

PeterD-2009 · May 21, 2011

DeVil wrote: »

Nice shots, well done Peter

Thank you for your reply and kind comments

MammaPaparazza · May 22, 2011

So do this things sting you? I'm sure the things around here that we simply call bumble bees sting...they kinda look like these but are more furry...I know they sting because when I step on them...I get stung! lol

sapphire73 · May 22, 2011

Thank you for sharing these great shots of a hoverfly. Love the iridescence on the wings and body in that first one!

PeterD-2009 · May 22, 2011

MammaPaparazza wrote: »

So do this things sting you? I'm sure the things around here that we simply call bumble bees sting...they kinda look like these but are more furry...I know they sting because when I step on them...I get stung! lol

The hoverfly is totally harmless. They look like bees and wasps but do NOT have a sting. In flight they also sound like bees and wasps. It is the art of mimmickry to put of their natural predators - usually birds.

sapphire73 wrote: »

Thank you for sharing these great shots of a hoverfly. Love the iridescence on the wings and body in that first one!

Thank you both for your replies and comments

GOLDENORFE · May 23, 2011

great shots, any idea on the flower they were feeding on? lots of pollen!

PeterD-2009 · May 23, 2011

GOLDENORFE wrote: »

great shots, any idea on the flower they were feeding on? lots of pollen!

Thank you for your comments Phil. I am afraid I do not know the name of the flower but I shall check and post the answer if I can.