Metallic Green Fly (I think, it's a Soldier Fly)

IPClark

Quite possibly Microchrysa polita or Exaireta spinigera from my googling about but I'm not absolutely certain. It was about 1cm in length, maybe 1.2cm. Either way, it's the first time I've ever seen a fly like this. I thought it was a species of hoverfly at first.

Anyway, It was blowing a gale outside but decided to have a nose around the garden. I spotted this fly on a bush in the garden but it took off almost immediately. Having then photographed the Fly and Leafhopper (in the other thread), I went back over the other side of the garden and spotted this fly again, sitting on a leaf on one of our privit bushes. I had to try and twist the stem of leaves around, hold it still, whilst holding the camera in my other hand unsupported. THEN, to try and get a sharp shot hand held whilst everything was blowing about ... these were pretty much the best I could do. Have cropped them a touch up closer because the backgrounds were pretty mundane.

The hotspot on the back is very frustrating but I had rather little time. Would have softened my flash a little more but didn't think the fly would stick around for long

lensmole

I am new to macro and haven't ventured off into using flash yet.

They are all very vivid shots lots of detail in #3 If I had to pick one it would be # 2

Lord Vetinari

Wonderful captures- agree a soldier fly - pretty sure it's Sargus bipunctatus - appear about this time and have those twin white spots on the head.
Brian v.

IPClark

Cheers Brian, Lensmole

..and for the ID Brian. Hehe, google can be helpful but sometimes has far too many choices, or very few.

GOLDENORFE

Good find,can't say I have seen one around here!

IPClark

Thanks Phil. Yeah first I've seen. Like I said, I thought it was a really cool hoverfly at first until I did some googling