Hoverfly (Syrphidae sp)

In the 1980s I used to photograph hoverflies with an SLR and macro lens, and could identify some of the common ones by species. Can't recall much of that now, but I spent a fair time trying to get shots of them hovering outside the window this summer. Tricky getting the AF on them in time! The light has fallen on the eyes of this one in such a way that they look oddly metallic.

Hoverflies are beneficial because they feed on aphids and some are active pollinators, and in a number of other ways. Their mimicry of wasps and bees deters potential predators.

Thank you for your kind comments on my pictures.

John