Robber Fly

These predatory flies are fairly common. This species appears to be mimicking a bumble bee. They don't bite (people), and are great for keeping annoying insects at bay.
The small translucent bulb that you see below the wing is a haltere, which acts as a counter balance to the wings, and is itself a vestigial wing. Flies have two wings (hence the family name, Diptera), and need the the counterweight to balance the wingbeats. Most insects have four wings, and don't need the haltere.

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[COLOR="Purple"]Nice pic John. Fascinating info about the anatomy too!
Thanks!
Bill[/COLOR]

Cool shot and facts!

Thanks for sharing,
Robert

He is a hairy little beast! Nice shot, and good lesson John!

"The small translucent bulb that you see below the wing is a haltere, which acts as a counter balance to the wings, and is itself a vestigial wing."

Thanks John! I was unsure of what that structure was. I recently bought a new camera and I've been experimenting with macro and trying to learn as much as I can about the insects that I shoot.

Clear Skies,

Steve

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