Caedes

  Drone Fly #2  

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Uploaded: 07/18/12 10:35 PM GMT
Drone Fly #2
Views: 457
Dlds: 30
Status: active

I found this interesting fly feeding on some fennel-like flowers. It's the same size as a honeybee and the back half is a close match in coloration, but the eyes don't look like any bee eyes I've ever seen. Maybe they look different in other wavelengths and the mimicry is better. When a real bee approached though, this guy took off like a rocket. Real bees don't do that. I've seen them kick & headbutt each other fighting over a choice flower. Other than that, this fellow was pretty convincing from a distance. I did a bit of researching and this appears to be Eristalinus taeniops or a Banded-Eye Drone Fly. A common worldwide species.

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.snapshooter87
07/18/12 11:49 PM GMT
Regardless, it's a really nice shot. Never saw anything that remotely resembles this guy.
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.Flmngseabass
07/19/12 12:07 AM GMT
An amazing closeup Russ!! Stupendous detail and clarity!! He/she's a beaut!!
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BB
::Fifthbeatle
07/19/12 1:40 AM GMT
that is one crazy eye, never have I seen such a critter!
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I Love Cloudy Days
::vangoughs
07/19/12 11:24 AM GMT
Amazing photo!!!
So Well Taken
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Logun7
07/19/12 3:00 PM GMT
Awesome shot! The details are superb:)
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The most precious jewel you'll ever have around your neck are the arms of your children♥
.CDHale
07/19/12 8:58 PM GMT
Oh so cool close up! He has a tongue like a fly. I'm not sure about that back-end tho. Strange lil critter, but fascinating non the less. -Christie
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::Foxfire66
07/24/12 2:41 AM GMT
EXCELLANT Russ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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http://www.zazzle.com/digitaldreamart
::ryzst
07/24/12 9:47 AM GMT
Thanks for all the great feedback. I appreciate it very much.

It's strange how these drab little creatures are suddenly amazing under the right light.
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There are more things in heaven and earth, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. W.S.
jbattagl
08/11/12 12:23 AM GMT
Beautiful! What camera and lens?
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::ryzst
08/11/12 4:24 AM GMT
Thanks for that. Glad you liked it.

The main parts are a Canon 60D body, Canon 100mm macro lens & Canon MR-EX14 ring flash.
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There are more things in heaven and earth, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. W.S.
::PatAndre
10/25/12 2:29 PM GMT
Outstanding. What camera and lens, especially lens, do you use to capture these insects? Another KEEP-PAH.
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