I had no idea what type of insect this was when I spotted it on the leaf of our Maygold Peach Tree. I assumed it was a type of wasp. I even googled "Red eyed wasp." I watched it through my camera lens as it cleaned itself with its legs. Macro is a whole new world!
Soon, an article for Flower Flies (Syrphids) popped up in my Google search. I learned that these flies are commonly known as "Hover Flies." They mimic the coloration of bees, wasps and yellowjackets in an attempt to avoid would-be predators. Hover flies are very common and do not bite or sting. They can be recognized as true flies by their single pair of wings, short antennae and flylike compound eyes. They are harmless flies and valuable pollinators. They are famous for visiting flowers, hovering around them and intimidating people who think they might sting. Syrphids are considered beneficial insects by gardeners and play a role in pollination. Many help to reduce the numbers of aphids and other insects injurious to crops or garden plants. They are a useful nontoxic biocontrol agent for pests of vegetable crops, as they prey on the larvae of insects that transmit plant viruses such as curlytop.
#BeneficialInsect #Insect #Syrphids #FlowerFlies #HoverFly #Mimic #Fly #BeeMimics #WaspMimics #YellowJacketMimics #NotaBee #NotaWasp #NotaYellowJacket #Macro #CanonMacro #MacroPhotographer #AWholeNewWorld #DontYouDareCloseYourEyes
Actor and motivational speaker, Cyrus Birch, gave the commencement address during High Point Academy's 2019 graduation ceremony. His main message to the students was, "Opportunity comes in very, VERY small windows." Mr. Birch is a Spartanburg Methodist College graduate and acted in the Marvel movie, "Black Panther." #Marvel #MarvelActor #Actor #BlackPantherActor #BlackPanther #Graduation #MotivationalSpeaker @SMCinSC #SpartanburgMethodistCollege #CyrusBirch
