Conopid Fly

A conopid fly, probably Conops quadrifasciatus (Diptera: Conopidae).  C. flavipes is similar but has yellow on its scutellum.  Like Sicus ferrugineus these flies lay their eggs actually on bumble bees and when the larvae hatch out they proceed to eat the bumble bee alive.

Photos taken in Whiteknights Park, Reading, UK, on 2010-08-15.

Comments

[Oranor]

I like your Insect photos, they are beautiful! What technique are you using? A tripod and bellows? Would like to hear about you equipment. I did some bellows work myself as a teenager, using novoflex bellows and a Nicon F3. Would like to hear how it is done now in the digital age.

[Tristram Brelstaff]

I don't use a tripod or bellows. My camera has a not very powerful macro mode and I just hold my hands as steady as I can. I usually take several approach shots and then try, very gently, to take hold of the leaf or twig the insect is sitting on in order to steady the distance between the lens and insect. The advantage of digital over film photography is that you can afford to take lots of shots just to get one in focus.