Owl Fly

[blacknstormy]

[img]http://www.fototime.com/5107975546DF82F/standard.jpg[img]

This is an owl fly - Suhpalasca spp - part of the lacewing group (Neuroptera). The common name 'lacewing' comes from the net-like patterning formed by the veins in the wing. Hope you like it - I was thrilled to get a good shot of it finally (I've been trying for a while!! LOL)

[eland]

A very good shot, Rel. You must be thrilled.

I wonder why the extra-long antennae. Very specialised.

These insects are obviously very rarely seen.
If you manage to catch one some time, before letting it go,
perhaps you could set it up and photograph it
in a controlled environment
away from distracting backgrounds.

It's not as easy to blur backgrounds with digital cameras
as it is with 35mm or larger formats......
especially when the subject might fly away at any moment.

You must be thrilled to have this shot in your collection, Rel.

Very well done.

Kind regards
eland

[blacknstormy]

Thanks for your comments Eland. :) I was certainly excited when I saw that the shot had actually come out 'in focus'!! lol
These lacewings aren't necessarily rarely seen - I think it is more a case of not many people would notice it fluttering around - or would think that it was a dragonfly ( this species has similar flight patterns) and would ignore it. I promise next time to catch one and try to get some proper 'set up' shots :)
Hope you had a great Christmas & New Year
Rel

[eland]

Thank you for the info on the Owl Fly, Rel and for your
good wishes. I hope this will be a good and happy
year for you.

I look forward to seeing your "studio" shot of an Owl Fly
or any other beastie that you manage to capture.

PS What is the purpose of the specialised
and extra-long antennae ?

Kind regards
eland