Common Darter Dragonfly

A common darter dragonfly (Sympetrum striolatum). This one was resting on this plant stalk overlooking the water and whenever another common darter came within 3 or 4 metres, it would fly up to chase, intruder off, and then return to exactly the same spot to rest.  It must have been guarding this stretch of water from rival males.  Yesterday I saw a pair mating on the wing, repeatedly dropping down and dipping in the water, presumably laying newly fertilized eggs.

Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2008-08-30.

Hoverfly

A hoverfly of the genus Helophilus, probably H. pendulus but a better view of its face and its back legs would be required to exclude H.trivittatus.  This french page explains how to distinguish the three common species of Helophilus (view through Google Translate if you have difficulty reading French).

Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2008-08-29.

Dragonfly

A black-tailed skimmer dragonfly (Orthetrum cancellatum).  The name is apparently a bit misleading as the females and the younger males are mainly yellowish, even on their tails.  Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2008-08-23.

Tachinid Flies

A tachinid fly of the species Tachina fera on a water mint flower (Mentha aquatica).  Gonia divisa, another tachinid fly, is very similar, but has black legs instead of red ones.  Tachina fera larvae parasitise various caterpillars.  Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2008-08-23.

A couple of years ago I took the following photo of another tachinid fly, probably of species Eriothrix rufomaculata.

 

Hoverfly

A hoverfly of the species Episyrphus balteatus (a fairly common species characterized by the two narrow black 'moustaches' on its abdomen).  Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2008-07-26.  One of the first photos I took with my present camera was of one of these; see here.