John & Maria's Photography Pages

No mow and other insects

As mentioned in the previous post the experiment by Plymouth City Council to create meadow areas from previously mown grass areas has certainly attracted a number of meadow butterflies.  Needless to say it's also attracted a fair few other insects that require the same type of habitat.  I've illustrated a few of the more colourful or interesting that I photographed this summer.  I've no doubt I missed many more - but there is always next year!

Potato capsid bug, Closterotomus norwegicus

Male tawny mining bee, Andrena fulva

Male hoverfly, Sphaerophoria scripta

Tachinid parasite fly, Ectophasia crassipennis.  This has only recently been added to the UK tachinid list but seems to be spreading quite rapidly along the South coast.

Parasitic wasp, Ichneumon suspiciosus

Largest of the UK hoverflies, the hornet mimic Volucella zonaria

Rhopalid bug, Corizus hyoscyami

The smaller size of these specimens required the use of the Olympus EM1 MkII, 60mm macro and STF-8 twin flash combination.  They work well together, providing a compact, lightweight system that can generate excellen quality.  I usually work between f8 and f10, 1/250 sec, ISO 200 and use the Manual setting on the selector dial to let the flash do the work, setting any flash exposure compensation as required.

As with the butterflies, it was fun capturing these shots.  The primeval thrill of the hunt underlies most wildlife photography and even macro work with free ranging insects is no exception.  Even if my now ancient knees do tend to object!