spider killer - Tipulogaster glabrata

Hi Robert

I just had to compliment you on an excellent pair of images. What flash are you using?

… Bill DuPree, 14 July, 2005 - 11:36pm

flash

Thanks Bill.

I'm using the MT-24EX, it's almost mandatory for the MP-E-65. Sometimes if the subjects are co-operative I'll throw in the 520EX as a wireless background fill.

Robert

… Robert Overbeck, 15 July, 2005 - 5:20am

Tip

This is a fairly astounding shot of Tipulogaster glabrata eating an Orchard weaver. I am not sure anyone knew they fed on spiders though they are in the gleaner group of robbers, meaning that instead of flying and catching prey, they hover over and around vegetation and spot prey that is sometimes stationary. This requires and entirely different form of visual prey location.

… Herschel Raney, 14 July, 2005 - 3:13pm

tip

Hi Herschel,

Thanks for the info. Haven't really seen that much info on Robbers so I checked out your web page. You've got some great stuff there.

Robert

… Robert Overbeck, 14 July, 2005 - 3:32pm

Robber Fly

This looks very much like a leptogaster.

… Charles Schurch Lewallen, 14 July, 2005 - 2:54pm

Leptogaster

Hi Charles,

It does look like it from the other images I see here. Cool name!

Thanks,
Robert

… Robert Overbeck, 14 July, 2005 - 3:16pm

Wow

What great images! What camera gear did you use on these? (I desperately need new equipment).

… Bruce Marlin, 14 July, 2005 - 2:14pm

camera

Hi Bruce,

Thanks for the compliment on the images.

The closeup is a Canon 1DS which is a dust magnet and a Canon MP-E-65 lens which only focuses from 1:1 to 5:1. I keep it permanently on the camera. The larger view image is from a Canon Rebel XT with a Canon 180mm macro lens. For the most part I'd recommend the XT with either a 180 or a 100. It doesn't show dust as bad as the 1DS combo, is a lot cheaper and a lot lighter. I just happened to have replaced the 1DS and rather than sell it, decided to keep it for macro purposes.

Good luck,
Robert

… Robert Overbeck, 14 July, 2005 - 2:35pm