Wasp mimic

[Paul A]

I belive this fly is an Icneumon wasp mimic. I know this pic isn't up to the standards of this forum but what the heck its an interesting critter.

[LordV]

Great capture- that really is a weird bug.
Brian V.

[racketman]

interesting, thanks for posting. Seems there is a similar fly in the UK, Tanyptera atrata L. Tipulidae. which is a type of Cranefly that mimics the Ichneumon.
Is that a bit of fluff on your sensor at the top - time to get the blower out?

[Bald Eagle]

I didnt know there was a Mimic like this one, thanks for sharing the pic.

[the_man]

i like the spikes coming from the leaf

[RockOne]

Nice shot. i've not seen one of those before.

[Bama]

Nice picture...albeit the background.

Was this picture taken with flash. I have yet to understand how to use flash on macro shots as my bugs always "bug off" before the flash fires.

Thanks
Bama

[Paul A]

Nice picture...albeit the background.

Was this picture taken with flash. I have yet to understand how to use flash on macro shots as my bugs always "bug off" before the flash fires.

Thanks
Bama

Thanks for the comments, yes this pic was taken with flash. I try and find where I get a good exposure stopping down as much as possible yet trying to shoot fast using manuel mode. This pic was taken with a lousy lens and extension tubes (25mm) on the dark rain forest floor. I have since bought a macro lens, but I find it extremely difficult to get good focus.

[dancinec]

Nice shot Paul, did you take a tripod on your field trips?

[Paul A]

Nice shot Paul, did you take a tripod on your field trips?

Thanks Dennis, after this trip I bought a monopod and a Bogen Head grip; not much good for macro. I've noticed that some of the better macro guys here hand-hold. I guess its a matter of practice?

[Balliolman]

Spindly looking thing: interesting!