There's only one thing....

that stops a male syrtitta pipiens hoverfly in flight... the sight of a female.
Unfortunately he got to the female before I could do a shot of the intended by herself. taken at 1:1 uncropped (with the MPE-65)

Brian V.

Click on Pics for larger size

IMAGE LINK: http://farm2.static.fl​ickr.com …42938486_dad5f8​cb1c_o.jpg

IMAGE LINK: http://farm2.static.fl​ickr.com …42938534_71ffd6​9e39_o.jpg

i cant wait to get my lens...hoping it comes tomorow..great shots as always.

I am still pondering how you took that picture while it was flying

Simply incredible shot in flight.

Thanks for the kind comments everyone- much appreciated .
The first shot is totally dependant on the second shot and is a good example of watching what the bugs are doing. The males of this hoverfly patrol close to their chosen bush stopping every now and then for a second or so to check the area and then moving on about 6 inches and repeating the process. If they spot another male or another species feeding they quickly assess the situation and either dive bomb the interloper or just move on. If they see a female though they go into a pretty rock steady hover for about 15 seconds presumably judging whether the female is "attractive" for mating purposes. That's what the hover in the first shot was doing, having decided the female is attractive he dive bombs her and mates (I suspect the large hind leg femurs are for gripping the female). The female does not get much choice in the matter.

Brian V.

Ah, ain't love grand? Magnificent series, Brian. --Rick

Very nice work Brian, especially the hover shot. Getting a crystal clear hover shot like this with the MPE-65 must be a challenge to your patience.

Superb shots Brian. There can't be many females about in my garden. I've never seen them hover for more than about a second. Just long enough to get them in the viewfinder, but not to focus.

My missus was watching me the weekend and couldn't work out how I'd just spent 15 minutes around a hebe, and yet hadn't got any pictures...

Excellent shots Brian, the detail is just marvellous.

Wowser!! Great stuff!! Always impressed by your work Brian.

Great shots - and nice to see more little hovers will be on the way soon

Linda

Hiya Brian,

Superb shots, I've still not managed to get a good HIF,

#2 makes me chuckle as it looks like she's applauding his performance

Cheers for now
Mark

Thanks all for looking and commenting everybody- much appreciated
Seem to have made the front page of Flickr explore with the first shot (for 29th July).

Mark- hadn't thought of that explanation- won't ask if that happens to you
Brian V.

LordV wrote in post #3636634
Thanks all for looking and commenting everybody- much appreciated
Seem to have made the front page of Flickr explore with the first shot (for 29th July).

CONGRATS BRIAN. Very deserving shot.:p

Absolutely WOW! You never cease to impress, LordV!

Lighting, sharpness and colors are just incredible!! Not to mention 'the moment'...

Just amazing!