Hover flies have a characteristic flight pattern - hovering in one spot, moving suddenly forwards or sideways, then hovering again. Some people mistake hover flies for wasps or bees because of their black and yellow-striped abdomens and also because they can occur in huge numbers. However, they are actually members of a fly family that have evolved as wasp and bee mimics. They are important as pollinators of plants.
COMMENTS
Sirnicolay said at 9:50 p.m. on Apr 24, 2008: Wow, it's the first time I've seen hover flies.. I thought they were bees! Haha! Thanks for sharing these pictures :)
Jmhoying said at 9:55 p.m. on Apr 24, 2008: And they love hummingbird feeders! Nice shots.
Memotions said at 10:02 p.m. on Apr 24, 2008: Thank you :) I put out the feeders in anticipation of the Hummingbird arrival....hopefully next week. I was pleased to see that something alive was around to take pictures of!
ConnieL said at 10:21 p.m. on Apr 24, 2008: Never knew these were hover flies. Our hummers came last week, on Tuesday, so you should be seeing them before long. :-))
Debdog said at 10:46 p.m. on Apr 24, 2008: i thouhgt they were yellow jackets Patty! xxxxxooooooooo
Jantass said at 10:57 p.m. on Apr 24, 2008: Patty ,Good image of the landing .. excellent work !!!!
Ira said at 1:15 a.m. on Apr 25, 2008: These pollinators of plants is sick bite:)))
Wildthing said at 3:48 a.m. on Apr 25, 2008: Nice close-up shots, Patty. Have you noticed that if these hover flies get in the house, they bounce along the ceiling!!!! :) Looks like a tab for Bug Club.
Chaitiamma said at 9:58 a.m. on Apr 25, 2008: Thanks for the info. Never seen this before. Nice Tabblo !
Hhwind said at 11:51 a.m. on Apr 25, 2008: Thanks i would have mistaken it for a wasp
Sativa said at 2:18 p.m. on Apr 25, 2008: Love this tabblo.... !!! nice info 2...many insects are misunderstood !
Loes said at 5:46 p.m. on Apr 25, 2008: Perfect macros Patty, we see the same flies over here in summer too.
Northof40 said at 7:38 p.m. on Apr 25, 2008: Hey very cool some nice shots glad to see U added it to the Bug Club.... Keep them coming
CANDYCANE said at 8:39 p.m. on Apr 25, 2008: I thought they were bees too. Interesting little creature. Nice close shots.
SterlingGray said at 10:59 p.m. on Apr 25, 2008: Kinda like most others, I thought they were bees as well. Great macros!!!
Keeli said at 1:17 p.m. on Apr 26, 2008: Great captures Patty! Love the color choice of the tabblo layout too!
Memotions said at 6:34 a.m. on Apr 27, 2008: Thanks everyone. I have a fascination with capturing things that fly and am so pleased to have the warm weather back. The number of potential subjects increases each day. :)
Mirella said at 7:38 a.m. on May 6, 2008: Thanks for this lesson. I didnt' know that. Ciao
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