Arguably an ugly critter, but I think it’s fairly compelling. Especially on the backdrop of the delicate dahlia petals. And I’m a little backed-up on the bonuses, so there’s that…

A new bee…every day
Arguably an ugly critter, but I think it’s fairly compelling. Especially on the backdrop of the delicate dahlia petals. And I’m a little backed-up on the bonuses, so there’s that…
Two things here: first it’s just danged interesting to see. Got one on a wall the other day of a jumping spider with a honeybee in its clutches, but wasn’t quite clear enough to post. This time, it was a bulb fly- one of those nasty ones flies that wrecks the daffodils.
The other is the mimicry evident in the fly. Looks lots like a small bumble. Great adaptive move.
A pollinator for sure. And that geranium is almost chewed away courtesy of the grasshoppers. Really good shot of the fly, too. Notice how its markings mimic the bees and wasps. Great adaptation – keeps the predators wary.
Shame only one is in focus. But speaks to the attraction of the pollinators.