A few more insects as the weather finally starts to improve here!!

[Astro]

Things are finally starting to warm up and I'm seeing more activity !

#1
Azure Damselfly male (Coenagrion puella)

#2
Robber Fly, Kite Tailed (Machimus atricapillus)

#3

Scorpion fFly male (Panorpa germanica)

#4
Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) male

#5
Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) female

#6
Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) male

#7

Scorpion fFly female (Panorpa germanica)

8)

Robber Flies mating with female snacking

9)
Green Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pyri)


Not totally sure of my species attribution, but no doubt someone can correct my errors


C&C welcome

[billtils]

Simply superb James.

[selig1656]

Darn you got me bugging out over these exceptional captures, well done.

[DanK]

Great captures! This gives me a kick in the rear. I haven't taken a single bug shot yet this year.

[Astro]

Thank you all, It has been pretty miserable here for the last month, unseasonally cold and very wet and windy.
This last few days though, it has really picked up....
As regards any 'excellence' in the captures, apart from luck which is essential , I credit my (new) Canon R5 with Canon 100mm IS Macro and a Canon Macro Twin-Lite.

[Geoff F]

Your 'Robber Flies' are actually Empis tessellata. Look at that long and strong downward pointing 'feeding tube'.

The group image is a mating pair. The male waits until the female is eating before making his approach. Some males will capture a fly and present it to the female. Known as a nuptial gift.

[Astro]

Thanks Geoff, That pair were actually the easiest capture, obviously preoccupied

The Damsels were skittish, but I think they were still a bit chilled and short on energy to fly, and were not flying very far despite the sunshine.

[lesno1]

Great shots James loving the scorpion flies

[Chataignier]

Splendid macros - the lighting is very good too