It’s interesting how a little bit of warm weather triggers the emergence of an uncountable number of flies. Just because a few flies feed on items that we consider to be unappealing, many people refuse to consider their beauty. It’s worth the effort to get some close-up looks at these tiny creatures.
Tachinid flies have to be a leader in impressive appearances. Bright, shiny colors on a large body would be considered plenty, but when you add the spike-like bristles jutting from the abdomen, you get a combination that’s hard to beat.
There are many species of Tachinid flies, the larvae of which are parasites on other insects. I find most of these flies sitting on the leaf litter in the woods. It’s almost impossible to walk without scaring up a fly with every step.
This is one that I wish I saw more often. This hairy Bee Fly has a long pointed proboscis that much resembles a hypodermic needle. It’s a harmless creature that doesn’t sting or bite, but it has a wonderful look of menace about it.
It’s interesting how a little bit of warm weather triggers the emergence of an uncountable number of flies. Just because a few flies feed on items that we consider to be unappealing, many people refuse to consider their beauty. It’s worth the effort to get some close-up looks at these tiny creatures.
Tachinid flies have to be a leader in impressive appearances. Bright, shiny colors on a large body would be considered plenty, but when you add the spike-like bristles jutting from the abdomen, you get a combination that’s hard to beat.
There are many species of Tachinid flies, the larvae of which are parasites on other insects. I find most of these flies sitting on the leaf litter in the woods. It’s almost impossible to walk without scaring up a fly with every step.
This is one that I wish I saw more often. This hairy Bee Fly has a long pointed proboscis that much resembles a hypodermic needle. It’s a harmless creature that doesn’t sting or bite, but it has a wonderful look of menace about it.
The bee flies are my favorite! I see them often at my lobelia and some other flowers.
ReplyDeleteExcellent shots! Yeah ,have been seeing quite a few lately here in woods of Hamilton county aswell, and the Bee Fly is an amazing little hover craft, very precise , flying skills on par with the best of the much more popular dragonflys!Nice post!
ReplyDeleteHi, Anne. The Bee Flies are kind of a rarity for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michael.
And Steve, please be careful out there . You have been experiencing the same high quantities of rain as the SW corner. The ground is super saturated,beyond what Iv'e seen in along time.The other day a 100 ft plus tree came down while I was in the woods, not 50 yards away! Watch the cut banks and the steep slopes!If you get time see my "look out below" post!http://trekkingohio.blogspot.com/
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