Spring Macros

[Jim B.]

Finally getting some insect action around the house.I haven't had any time to do any field work yet.

Rosy Apple Aphid


Crane Fly


As a kid,I thought these were huge mosquitos.

[rick55]

Fantastic shot of the Crane Fly, Jim! The reflections on the thorax and the ripples on the wings are out of this world.

We called them Millers or Miller Bugs growing up (central Pennsylvania), and everyone believed they ate mosquitoes. I was so disappointed a few years ago, when I looked them up for some reason, and 1) I couldn't find Miller Bug as one of the common names; and 2) worse, despite common names including Mosquito Hawk, they don't eat mosquitoes at all. I was crushed: I've been carefully avoiding killing these things, and it turns out they're crop pests.

Cheers,
Rick

[Dave Humphries]

When I was a kid they were "Daddy-long-legs", but if two were spotted in a 'compromising position', we said one must have been a "Mummy-long-legs"

[Jim B.]

Rick,

Thanks for the comments.I didn't know that Crane Flies are crop pests.

[Jim B.]

When I was a kid they were "Daddy-long-legs", but if two were spotted in a 'compromising position', we said one must have been a "Mummy-long-legs"

We have a spiderlike bug here we call Daddy Long Legs.Much smaller than a Crane Fly.
I'll have to get a shot of one to post.

[arith]

I hate those things; they sort of dive bomb you and I'm forever trying to wack them with a rolled up newspaper. But we don't get them until October time.

[rick55]

Rick,

Thanks for the comments.I didn't know that Crane Flies are crop pests.

Sorry, I should have said, "turf pest." The larvae consume roots, such as turf grass, although they apparently can also attack young crops. According to Wikipedia, "In 1935, Lord's Cricket Ground in London was among the venues affected by leatherjackets [the larvae]. . . . they caused bald patches on the wicket and the pitch took unaccustomed spin for much of the season." Lèse-majesté!

Cheers,
Rick

[carregwen]

The crane fly shot is very good, Jim. Excellent clarity and colour.

[Jim B.]

Thanks,Rob.