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Monday, August 2, 2010

Three-spot Horse Fly

Three-spot Horse Fly
(Tababus trimaculatus))

Who's that behind those Foster Grants?

This handsome fellow was lazily sunning himself on the railing of my front deck in Cape Breton, completely undaunted by my presence, unless I was sticking a camera lens in his face.  Then he'd just sigh and turn the other way.  I was being such a bother!  A good example of role reversal.



Interesting fact about horse flies -
the male drinks nectar. 
It's the female that takes blood from mammals.

        Published in 1980, my National Audubon Society        
Field Guide to Insects and Spiders in North America
lists the Three-spot Horse Fly as occurring as far north
as Massachusetts.  Here is evidence it has found it's way
further north since then! 



Just a quick click HERE will take you to more
amazing macro shots from all over the world!!


20 comments:

Abby and Stephanie said...

That is one BIG fly! Amazing close-up.

Gill - That British Woman said...

wow what a great close up, you must have a powerful lense?

In answer to your question on my blog, yes I have to dig up the dahlia corm every year and store it over winter.

Gill in Canada

chasity said...

very cool photos.
why is it that the females are always the bad guys?!
:)

Heather said...

Very nice macros, Karen. I would be running in the other direction from this one, though, because they pack too much of a punch with their bite!

Nancy E said...

The best way to enjoy a bug is to photograph it! Nicely done!

Nancy

http://nanskimtn.blogspot.com/2010/08/macro-monday-golf-balls.html

penny said...

Its amazing how macro can make scary creatures out of little flies. Nice shots, Karen.

Maaike said...

amazing eyes!

Anonymous said...

That's the best close up look I've ever seen of the lil guy! WoW! Incredibly macro shot!!!

Barb said...

Well, since he's the star of this post, he needs those sunglasses.

Steve Willson said...

Great shot of the head. I think one of the eye facets is winking.

EG CameraGirl said...

Hmmm. I didn't know that it was the female that was the problem horsefly! Too bad they have made their way to Cape Breton!

Kala said...

That is some amazing detail of the head!

dianasfaria.com said...

those are some amazing shots! I've never liked these flies before looking at your photos. I have a very different appreciation of them now.
Thanks!

Marvin said...

Great macros. Fly eyes are amazing.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Karen: Beautiful macro work.

Rambling Woods said...

Oh my goodness...what a macro Karen...

Carrie P. said...

I don't know if I would call him handsome but the facts about the fly are pretty interesting. Love the photos from the previous posts.

JRandSue said...

Amazing Macro.
John.

Anonymous said...

IT would be amazing to know what they see through such a mask. We each have our own way of filtering out or in the world.

Linda said...

Great macro photos, sharp to detail!