macros - pregnant fly and robberfly

[troypiggo]

Been a while since I posted some photos here, let alone macros. Took a train trip to Roma St Parklands this morning with my 2.5yr old son, partly for the trip, partly for a recon for this summer's macro prospects at the Parklands. These are the best 2 shots I came up with.

Not sure of the species of the fly, but quite unusual beak on them. Have seen them before, but can only assume this one is fairly heavily pregnant.

Quite liked the purple velvet textured stalk the robberfly was sitting on. Was hoping to get a better shot, but before I had a chance there was a brown flash in the field of view, and when I looked up from behind my camera there was a female blue wren licking her lips right next to where he was. Can only assume the predator (robberflies are insectivores) became lunch.

[Larryp]

Beautifully clear and detailed, Troy

[lacad01]

Good to see you postin macros again Troy :) That first fly is intriguing, would also be curious to know the species, I guess it's a type of horse fly :shrug:. Don't think I've seen one with such a pointed probiscus.

[04Stefan07]

Really nice photos!

[troypiggo]

Thanks guys.

Adam - I found the fly on http://brisbaneinsects.com and it turns out it's a treehopper mimic fly: http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_acalyptrata/TreehopperMimickingFly%20.htm The theory is that if the look like a prey that is extremely fast to get away, the predators don't bother going after them. Personally, I'd just rather be that fast to get away. ie I'd rather be able to run as fast as Usain Bolt rather than just look like him but run as slow as a wet wig :)

[Paddy]

Great photos Troy. The fly is quite an intriguing specimen.

[Osirisra]

Beautiful shots.

I have seen a few of those flies and often wondered about them, very cool.