catselbow, 2 months ago

A little fly (Scathophaga?) who kept me company for a long time yesterday. It makes me very happy when a little creature like this deigns to hang out with me. I had to take the pictures with my left (non-dominant) hand because he was perched on my right hand, which made it difficult.

I've had trouble taking pictures lately. I don't know if the problem is my eyes, my hands, my imagination, or my patience.

#fly #flies #diptera #insects #arthropods #photography

The same fly as in the previous picture, now seen from the side. Now we see his sturdy amber-colored femurs, bristling with dark spikes that help him hold onto struggling prey. Under his wing, at the back of his thorax, we see the white, thin-handled club of his haltere, all that's left of what was once a second pair of wings. Across his back, black bristles sweep backward in graceful arcs.
The same fly seen from the side, now bathing. With his front feet he's gently cleaning his extended mouthparts.