Craneflies

[Geoff F]

Yesterday started off looking dull - so I stayed home. And of course, it brightened up later!

Today started by looking hopeful but by the time I reached my destination merely 30 minutes later it was darkening. But at least the rain held off until I had returned to my vehicle.

There were a few creatures who like shady conditions around so I did what I could to photograph them from angles which might lead to identification.

Limonia nubeculosa possibly



Nephrotoma species possibly N. quadritarea but I couldn't get a shot which shows the abdomen.



A Ptychopterid species possibly P. paludosa going chiefly by a male which was lurking nearby.



And what is possibly Tipula luna although the abdomen is a fraction on the brownish side.



Considering the weather conditions and because they were all hiding in the undergrowth I was reasonably happy to achieve these camera angles.

[Shadowman]

Nice captures.

[DanK]

Nice. The fourth is by far my favorite. top-down views of bugs aren't in my view as interesting as others. The fourth also has a much nicer background, by virtue of not having a left on almost the same plane. All in all, I find the fourth a really appealing image.

[Otavio]

Very nice series, Geoff! I like them all.

[bnnrcn]

Nice images Geoff, my best is #1

[deetheturk]

Nice set Geoff, well done bud

[Geoff F]

Sometimes it is easy to get alternative angles with insects but too often it is simply a case of taking what is available.

For me, the first option is an identification shot then try some other angles, but in these cases there was only the one view because I was either constrained by the foliage or they flew off as soon as I moved my position.

And after double checking the identification features on these, and other shots, I have changed a couple of names.

Looks like being more dull and wet weather for the next few days so outside photography may have to be restricted for a while.