More Garden Insects

I haven't identified all of them, but these insects have all been seen in the garden over the past couple of days. I'll start with one I can identify. This is a pair of green shield bugs, busy making more green shield bugs 😉

I was about to post this as 'unknown' but decided to check a hunch based on a Twitter post I'd read about 'St Mark's flies' which appear around 25th April each year. They are the large flies that seem to swamp the air and fly with legs hanging down. If I've got the species right, this is the male (with big bug eyes).

Next up is a picture of a pair of damselflies. They are not actually mating in this shot. As part of the prelude to mating the male grasps the female by the thorax and they remain in this joined configuration until mating takes place (there's a picture here from last year)), and eggs have been laid.

Staying with the damsels for a moment, they were rather more concerned with sheltering from the strong winds today, so there was barely a sign of them around the pond. Instead they were all gathered by the fence at the rear of the garden finding shelter among the rich vegetation.

Finally, to mirror the opening photo but an altogether less obviously photogenic subject, here is a pair of flesh-flies mating.

I'll do my best to bring some cuteness back to the blog tomorrow night. That's a promise I hope to keep!
Nature Blog Network
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100mm f/2.8L macro IS USM lens.

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This Post Has 8 Comments

  1. cakkleberrylane

    3 May 2011

    If they lack in cuteness, they certainly make up for it in being interesting subjects and extremely well photographed.

  2. anonymous

    3 May 2011

    firefox writes:

    where are the foxes! 🙁 nice pics btw.

    its firefox from wab

  3. gdare

    3 May 2011

    "They are not actually mating in this shot. As part of the prelude to mating the male grasps the female by the thorax and they remain in this joined configuration until mating takes place.."
    It is the moment when he thinks he is a boss. 😛

  4. Words

    4 May 2011

    Firefox, the foxes are around but being very evasive at the moment. I've got to be patient!

  5. Words

    4 May 2011

    Lois, thanks. And I even avoided any spiders this time. :bug:

  6. Words

    4 May 2011

    Originally posted by gdare:

    It is the moment when he thinks he is a boss.

    Only if she lets him think that. The females can be quite selective.

  7. SittingFox

    6 May 2011

    Excellent macros!

  8. Words

    7 May 2011

    Thanks Adele!

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