The follower

Lord Vetinari

Spotted my first plasterer bee ( Colletes sp.)of the year the other day in the neighbour's garden feeding on ox-eye daisies. It soon became obvious that it was being followed around by a medium sized fly which stayed around 6" away at all times. Turns out the fly was a Sarcophagid Miltogramma species which are kleptoparasites of the bees. It presumably follows the bee back to it's nest and then lays it's eggs in there.

The bee

The follower

JAG

Amazing they stood still for their pictures to be taken! Nice work Brian!

[Deleted User]

Great macros. The shots of the follower seems technical just a little better than the others.

Lord Vetinari

@JAG said:
Amazing they stood still for their pictures to be taken! Nice work Brian!

@Jørgen_Bjerring said:
Great macros. The shots of the follower seems technical just a little better than the others.

Thanks for the comments

Joyce - one thing bugs do not normally do is stay still especially when feeding.
Brian v.

denisegoldberg

Wonderful! I love the level of detail on these (and on all of your photos!).

Lord Vetinari

@denisegoldberg said:
Wonderful! I love the level of detail on these (and on all of your photos!).

Thanks Denise
Brian V.