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Standing Guard + rp

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted December 1, 2013101 views10 comments

This is an autumn shot of a hoverfly on a fading corn marigold daisy. I think it is perhaps a Volucella pellucens, though the white band across the abdomen is not as large as normal. If anyone can ID this for sure I'd be grateful ( always like to know what I'm shooting !! )

Canon 7D, Tamron 55-200mm lens @ 200mm, 1/125 sec @ f9, -0.67ev, ISO 400, hh.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on December 1, 2013 at 3:33 PM

I can't help you on the ID, but I certainly concur on not only " ( always like to know what I'm shooting !! ) ", but history, habits, etc. I firmly believe an objective perception, subject knowledge and skill as a photographer go hand in hand.

Well put together picture of the fly and daisy!

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Lucy VanSwearingen on December 1, 2013 at 4:57 PM

Excellent focus on the fly. The entire photo seems a little dark to me. Especially, such a normally, bright flower. Maybe lightening just the flower a tad would do the trick. The fly seems to be just right.

Registered on May 23, 2009, 800 Posts, 2042 Comments

Comment posted by chris ward on December 1, 2013 at 4:58 PM

hi,
it looks like eristalis pertinax, if not def one of the other eristalis,
i find the website Ispot useful for getting ids

http://www.ispotnature.org/

Registered on November 10, 2013, 52 Posts, 33 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Wolfenden on December 1, 2013 at 5:38 PM

Thanks, Chris for the ID - that looks very likely

Thanks, Lucy, for the comments - repost attached

Registered on May 18, 2007, 1108 Posts, 7647 Comments

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on December 1, 2013 at 8:31 PM

Hi Ian

great detail on the fly, and a sweet overall composition
Albert Darmo

Canada

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on December 2, 2013 at 9:59 AM

The repost's a good improvement, your original post was a bit too dark Ian..
Great POV and flower perch

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on December 2, 2013 at 10:54 AM

I sure like the details in the forward wing as well as the pose and placement in the frame. The brightness of the repost is a nice improvement.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on December 2, 2013 at 9:05 PM

I like the vibrant colors (yellows and browns) against the soft green bg, especially well done in the repost. I also like the look and detail in the hoverfly's wing. An attractive insect image, Ian.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Lucy VanSwearingen on December 4, 2013 at 10:02 PM

I agree. The re post is much better

Registered on May 23, 2009, 800 Posts, 2042 Comments

Comment posted by Roger Kirchen on December 5, 2013 at 8:16 PM

Great composition and details. The hoverfly is definitely cooperating: angle of wings and position of the legs. All nicely visible. The repost really "pops".

Registered on March 6, 2011, 95 Posts, 847 Comments