Following Linda

[LordV]

Just like Linda's recent post I found a newborn hoverfly yesterday- Episyrphus balteatus - you can clearly see the abdominal contents in some shots.

Brian V.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/2586770312_2a585e101c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2586770314_8fffb22b70_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/2586770322_8fc68aac7f_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/2586770324_e0a15484e0_o.jpg

Crop from above shot

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2586770326_b02892c53a_o.jpg

Pupal case

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2586770328_b02892c53a_o.jpg

[alliec]

Amazing work Brian, astounding images, would love to find one of these.

[spidermanrbryce2006]

another brilliant series Brian

[dpastern]

Brilliant set Brian - these shots were nailed, big time. What's that whitish substance on its right eye on shot #2? Excellent details, superb job on exposure on the face section - shiny section typical of these is right on exposure wise.

Dave

[TeeJay]

I don't generally follow this type of shot, but these are amazing!

For someone that doesn't know, what kit did you use for these?

TJ

[dpastern]

Teejay - Brian uses a 40D + mpe-65 + Sigma flash for most of his shots these days from memory...it doesn't matter what he uses though, his Macro shots are awesome. Goes to show that it's the photographer, not the camera that makes the shot.

Dave

[troypiggo]

Now that's one brand-spankin' new hoverfly. As per the general consensus - these are superb. #2 for me.

Assume the white on the eyes is some of the lining or something from the pupal case? I'm sure it will come off the first time the hoverfly blinks? :)

What are all the white dots inside it, though? They're fascinating.

[TeeJay]

All I can say is "WOW"

... how on earth do you get it to keep still long enough to photograph it?

TJ

[newb2pro_1day_or_so]

They are all great, but #2 for me as well.

[Keith Newton]

Wonderful images Brian. The dots look like air or gas bubbles to me.

[dpastern]

All I can say is "WOW"

... how on earth do you get it to keep still long enough to photograph it?

TJ

I'd say talent, a bean pole, and a LOT of practice in Brian's case. hehehe. Why don't you try some macro Teejay, it's not addictive, honest guv!!!

Dave

[LordV]

Thanks for the kind comments everyone - much appreciated.

Think Troy is correct re the white stuff on the eye- just some membrane from the pupal case that well get brushed off

I'd guess the white bits inside the abdomen may well be unfertilised eggs as this is a female.

Teejay - this is a case of know your subject - most bugs when they have just emerged from the pupa are exhausted and this one was not going anywhere. I actually totally cheated by picking off the leaf it was sitting on (which was above my head) and laying it carefully on the grass to shoot it. When I finished I managed to get it onto my finger and then onto another leaf to complete it's drying/hardening.

Brian V.

[striving]

Cute as a bug ;-) Very cool details man. Wonder if stuff on their eyes like that really effects them at all? I want to reach in and wipe it off..lol. Love the crop of the head!

[Jay Lowery]

nice detail brian, the red vein and the eggs good stuff

[johnkermit1]

very nice series...now i see a bit of transition from that slug-like larval stage to the fly stage...interesting shot of the case.

[LindaB]

Oh wow Brian what a stunning set of shots. A real treat to see a newly hatched one and all that detail, truly superb.

(I think it was Dazzlebea or however you spell it lol, who spotted a new born HF - I still have yet to find one - I wish it had been me lol.)

Linda

[4g63photo]

Killer shots. Very nice.

[LordV]

Thanks again for the kind comments :)

Linda- whoops- apologies to Bea :) - must have confused it with your other recent hover post. :oops:

Brian v.

[Kronie]

Those are awesome. you really can see the inside of there abdomen in some of these.

[Attic]

Awesome shots Brian, leaves nothing to the imagination ;)

[skylab]

WOW. Excellent set. Super detail. Well done.

[canonloader]

Great stuff Brian. I always love looking at your threads. :)

[LordV]

Thanks for looking and commenting Kronie,Alby, Brian and Mitch- much appreciated.
Brian v.

[Alexey]

Excelent work Brian :).

[racketman]

super sharp and well exposed other than some burnt highlight on the face.

[b.d.bop]

Now that's one brand-spankin' new hoverfly. As per the general consensus - these are superb. #2 for me.

Assume the white on the eyes is some of the lining or something from the pupal case? I'm sure it will come off the first time the hoverfly blinks? :)

What are all the white dots inside it, though? They're fascinating.This is very serious stuff. They're all ridiculous. I'll go with #4 and its crop. Just unbelievable. How inspiring to see this level of photography.