bee fly - Bombylius - BugGuide.Net

Beautiful

This is an incredible shot but, now that I have looked through some of your other images, you seem to make a habit of incredible shots :-).

I am curious about your reverse ring/extension tube set up. What kind of working distance do you have between the insect and the end of the lens? I was guessing it must be around 1 to 2 inches, but if that is the case your stalking ability is even more incredible than your photography!

Tim

… Tim Lethbridge, 8 March, 2009 - 9:40pm

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Thanks, Tim. Depends on the amount of extension, but the closest I've come to a subject is around 40mm, with the 20mm lens extended a total of 77mm. As for stalking: many of the images only come as a result of numerous attempts . . . and I mean Numerous . . . so basically playing with averages . . . :-)

… Gerardine Vargas, 9 March, 2009 - 11:48pm

Very nice shot. This looks like Bombylius of some species.

… Andy Calderwood, 5 March, 2009 - 4:23pm

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Thanks for the suggested ID, Andy. Much appreciated. I believe you're right.

… Gerardine Vargas, 9 March, 2009 - 11:50pm

Another gorgeous photo, Gerardine

Looks like this little critter really dives in for food -- I've been educated by this photo. Never before realized that bees or flies can carry pollen on their entire body.

… Wisconsin Oecanthinancy, 5 March, 2009 - 10:14am

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Hi, Nancy. I don't think that was intentional on the critter's part. This one seemed damaged (or drunk with nectar) because it flew erratically, bumping into plants. Many times it would fall to the ground, stay there for a few seconds seemingly stunned, shake it off, then start flying again. Strange behavior.

… Gerardine Vargas, 5 March, 2009 - 12:22pm

Beautiful

Can't help with the ID beyond what you already know, but I am curious what camera/lens setup you used for this one. I'm guessing natural light?

… Elliotte Rusty Harold, 5 March, 2009 - 9:37am

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Thanks, Elliote. Here are a couple of links where I've listed my macro setup:
Using 60mm Micro Nikkor setup.
Using "poor man's macro" setup.

Hope this helps.

… Gerardine Vargas, 5 March, 2009 - 12:32pm