Wednesday 31 May 2023

THE SCOPION FLY Panorpa communis AND OTHER INSECTSI

As it is raining heavily I took these photos of insects from the archives when several years ago I was just photographing insects, and it was a wonderful experience which I am delighted to be able to share with you 
                         The Scorpion Fly Panorpa communis


The Scorpion Fly is a strange looking insect. It is a common insect, but new to me. Unfortunately these images are of poor quality, and I was unable to take a photo of the fly with it's curled tail, the reason for it's name, and nor did I get a good shot of it's long face. 

The scorpion-like tail does not sting however, but is used by the male for courtship displays, and it is in fact the males genitalia. The most interesting of Scorpion Fly facts, is that the male attracts the female by making food offerings, and the female will select the male depending what gift is offered.They grow up to 25 mm in length, and can jump as well as fly and are good for the environment because adults and larvae feed on dead insects. They are scavengers that  often steal insects from spiders webs


The Marsh Fly or Snail-killing Fly 


 It is common along the edges of ponds, rivers, and marshy areas. The adults drink dew, and nectar, but the larvae prey on, or become parasites on slugs, snails, and finger nail clams. The pretty females often lay their eggs in fresh  water snails. The Marsh Fly is 1 1/2 cm in length.                     


                      The Bee Fly  bombyliidae

The adults feed on nectar and pollen, the Larvae generally are parasitoids of other insects.

Like some bumblebees they are brownish yellow and furry, and make a buzzing sound when flying, but unlike them, they only have two wings, instead of four. They have large eyes and long skinny legs, and short antennae, not at all like bees.



They are prodigious fliers, that can hover in midair, and have fast manoeuvring skills.  They possess a stiff long tongue or proboscis, which they use for probing flowers, to sip their nectar. They make an early appearance in Spring, and are good pollinators..


               Bombylius major Large-bee-fly

They can be seen from March up to June, and visit most flowers.



A Longhorn Beetle.



I can't find any information about this beetle or photos, but presume it it is called a Longhorn beetle  because it has long horns.:=)



It was the most beautiful large beetle I had ever seen. It's colours were iridescent in turquoise and green.


I was sorry to see it it fly away and since that day I have never seen another.




The Tachinid  Fly   Tachina  Fera



The Tachina Fera is a large fly 9-16 mm, and it's a bristly fly, with a prominent black stripe down it's back. It's overall colour is  orange, and it can be found across Europe as far as Scandinavia..


The Hover Fly

There are over 6.ooo species of Hoverfly in the world, As regular flower visitors  to a wide range of plants and agricultural crops, Hoverflies are some of the most important pollinators in any ecosystem. They can't carry as much pollen on their bodies as bees but can travel greater distances and make more flower visits. Adults feed on nectar and pollen and their larvae feed on decaying animal matter and aphids. Most Hoverflies on average only live for 12 days.

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17 comments:

roentare said...

These were very cute critters captured on camera.

Lowcarb team member said...

Thank you for sharing these great photographs and information.

Taking the opportunity of wishing you a happy new month of June.

All the best Jan

Marit said...

Hello dear Sonjia :)

Your photos of all the insects are beautiful. The Scorpion Fly looks very special. The Bee Fly was very cute, and I have never seen it before. The Longhorn Beetle looks a little scary. It's fascination to see how many different insects there are in the world.
My best wishes to you, and many warm hugs.

Irma said...

Nice series of photos, too bad it's raining with you, it's been very dry here for weeks, but we've had a wet spring.
I love the Longhorn beetle with its beautiful colors.
Greetings Irma

Richard Pegler said...

A most interesting, and beautifully illustrated, post on some of your local insects, Sonjia. I am quite envious of you having Bombylius major there - I am rather fond of Bee-flies. I too have photographed Tachina fera this week. They look quite dangerous when seen close-up!

My best wishes to you from a rather cold England (had to put the heating on again yesterday!) - take good care - - - Richard

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

What a great variety of insect photos. The Scorpion Fly is new to me, it is an interesting insect. Great collection of photos. Take care, enjoy your day!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Good morning Photographer Supreme, Sonjia: This is a dazzling collection of entomological beauties and I am seriously impressed. If you get a hankering to resume insect photography I will be first in line to see the results. There is so much diversity, so much beauty, so many secrets hidden from view for those who lack curiosity, but a world of wonder waiting to be discovered for those with an inquiring mind. Thank goodness my world encompasses fellow naturalists, none more special that my dear friend in Portugal. Hugs and kisses - David

MadSnapper said...

the bee fly wins the prize for the cutest bug today. I also like the longhorn beetle, a very handsome guy. your photos are beautiful and I like bug photography also. they are very interesting to watch

Teresa said...

Has hecho un precioso reportaje, me encanta fotografiar insectos y tu has consegido bonitas fotos. Gracias y abrazos.

Teresa said...

Feliz mes de junio para ti.

This N That said...

Wonderful insect shots...Wish we were getting some of that rain..Enjoy your day..

Debbie said...

it is so interesting to see these insects up close. your pictures are wonderful and the details are amazing!!

Marie Smith said...

The colour of the Longhorn Beetle is great for camouflage for sure. These are wonderful photos!

sami niilola said...

Awesome looking bugs. Have a really good weekend.

Jeanie said...

Your photos are remarkable. The clarity for such wee insects is amazing!

David James Slater said...

So sorry to learn about yet another injury.

Gardens at Waters East said...

WOW! Love the photos you posted today. The insects are really great with your photography. I am impressed with your pictures.

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