Freeloaders! by Trish Meyer
Nikon Coolpix P80
417 views as at 21 April 2012
To view more insects, please click on the link below.
INSECTS and SPIDERS
FEATURED
Insects, Bugs and Creepy Crawlies … January 2011
Totally Amateur Photography … October 2011
Photographed in my garden above a spent Buddlija bloom, several tiny Flies (unidentified at the time of upload)
were seen helping themselves to a meal of unfortunate Bee caught by a Praying Mantis.
Mounted Print
I have been stirred to do some more research and I think I now have a positive i.d. for the tiny flies! They are probably not far away at all times, but difficult to see as the body length is only 2mm, which compares accurately with the 15mm body length of the Honey Bee.
Believe it or not, I think they are Freeloader Flies, (yes, that’s their name) Desmometopa species!!
I have also observed them “sharing” meals with assorted spiders.
Comments
holy moly, now I’ve seen it all! brilliant :)
Thanks Jenny!
It does upset me a bit to see the demise of bees and more so butterflies, but I guess it’s nature maintaining a balance.
– Trish Meyer
Ray, thank you for accepting this image!
– Trish Meyer
Sorry, Trish, but I can’t help thinking of this quote: I do not see why man should not be just as cruel as nature.
Adolf Hitler
Hmmm … I could fill pages, but will keep it brief …
“Cruelty” in nature is for survival, unlike cruelty by mankind (now there’s a word) which is sadistic, hateful or sometimes just thoughtless, totally unnecessary for survival.
– Trish Meyer
Too bad he couldn’t eat them as well. Fascinating shot Trish.
Thanks Michael!
It was interesting to see the interaction, but he didn’t seem interested in eating the tiny flies.
– Trish Meyer
Fantastic capture
Kathy, thank you!
– Trish Meyer
Nothing like a free meal! There’s eyes on you – great capture!
Thanks so much for viewing and commenting!
– Trish Meyer
Amazing macro Trish :))
Thanks so much for your amazing comments and fave!
– Trish Meyer
Superb macro, the beast at the feast!!
Quite a feast they had, poor bee!
Thanks so much Byron for your comments and fave!
– Trish Meyer
I liked this so much… Guess what?
CONGRATULATIONS
Thank you so much for choosing to feature this image, I’m thrilled!
– Trish Meyer
Terrific capture & Congratulations!!
Tony, thanks so much for your comments and congratulations!
– Trish Meyer