Alex Briffett » Nature Photos

Flower Fly (Epistrophe grossulariae)

Alex Briffett — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:12:23 +0000

The Flower Fly (Epistrophe grossulariae) is a common wasp-like, European Hoverfly which feeds on various plants including Hogweed from May to October. Like similar species, its wings feature a false vein or Venu spuria distinguishing it from wasps.

For more photos / information about hoverflies try The Dead Head Fly or Wikipedia – Hoverfly.

Comma Butterfly On Michaelmas Daisy

Alex Briffett — Fri, 20 May 2011 22:06:58 +0000

A macro shot of a Comma Butterfly (Polygonia c-album). The underside of their wings are coloured similarly to autumn leaves except for a small white comma shape which you can clearly see in this shot.

As with most butterflies, it is tough to get a good shot as they just don’t keep still long enough. The purple flowers are Michaelmas Daisies.

The caterpillars will feed up on hops, and they will also eat stinging nettle, elm or currant leaves, and in other parts of its distribution (e.g. in Sweden) also sallow and birch leaves. Source: Wikipedia

Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar

Alex Briffett — Fri, 20 May 2011 21:52:19 +0000

A macro photo of a Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar (Tyria jacobaeae). If you are wondering what this turns into, well understandably, it becomes a Cinnabar Moth.

Honey Bee (apis mellifera)

Alex Briffett — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:46:27 +0000

A macro shot of a honey bee (Apis mellifera) resting on a flower, possibly a type of Gaillardia. Managed to get a few decent close-ups one hot August. It didn’t require too much patience. They are apparently common throughout the UK from March to October.

This one is likely to be a female because of its elbowed antennae and the fact it is collecting pollen. Correct me if I am wrong.