But really the joke is on them because they don't get to experience these little wonders of nature that visit the various plants in my urban garden. I've been watching these little flies hovering around flowers and resting on foliage and finally got a photo of one of them. I asked for an identification on a gardening forum and I am told that this is a Hover Fly.
A Google search has yielded the following information:
Hover Flies are pollinators.
They've evolved to mimic wasps and bees.
Hover Flies are being recognized as an important part in biological control of plant pests.
The larvae of some species pray on garden pests like leafhoppers (that spread some diseases like curly top) and aphids.
You can encourage them to visit your garden by planting alyssum, parsley and yarrow among others.
Hover Fly on Wikipedia.
What a great photo. I can be found in my garden at strange angles trying to photograph the "invisible" insects. Happy Gardening.
ReplyDeleteI got Yarrow covered! hehehe. Nice picture there. You actually took that yourself?
ReplyDeleteMy camera may be new but it doesn't do that good of a job in taking pictures of bugs. At least it is clear enough that I can post and ask if anyone recognizes it.
Great photo! I also enjoy watching the wonders of the great outdoors. How can you not appreciate all those 'beneficial' creatures hard at work out there? It's beautiful and relaxing...
ReplyDeletethank you! i had no idea what those were. you take some great pics.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful picture! You have so much information in your posts!
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Renee
Hi Ruth,
ReplyDeleteGlad I'm not the only one.
DragonStone,
Yeah I took that pic myself and it was a little bit of luck and a lot of patience. I must have photographed these flies about 50 times before I got one that was close enough and clear enough for me to be happy with.
Waterroots,
Glad you liked the photo and I ask myself the same question when I try to share these things with people around me who don't seem to care.
BS,
You're welcomed glad you like the pics.
Renee,
Thanks for stopping by and I'm glad you're finding some posts useful.
Oh... so when people see us laying on the ground looking at someone, they don't quite understand? Well, THAT explains why half the neighborhood thinks I'm crazy! (Mulching and gardening at night explains why the other half agrees.) lol.
ReplyDeleteI love your bug pics, and I've seen hoverflies in my garden but have never given them much thought for some reason. I'm glad for the education on these "good guys." Thanks Mr Brownthumb!
Great ladybug picture! I love it!
ReplyDeleteGreat pics!! Love the macros..and the bugs
ReplyDelete