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Golden-Backed Snipe Fly Chrysopilus thoracicus | June 3, 2012 |
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While I enjoy taking photos of butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies, I don't think of myself as a bug photographer; however, on coming across this striking insect, I thought myself fortunate to have several good photos of it.
At first, I thought it was a type of wasp, but Chuck Tague (a Facebook friend) identified it as a golden-backed snipe fly (Chrysopilus thoracicus). Whatever the name, the golden-backed snipe is certainly memorable. |
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| Here is a tad closer view (as I slowly worked nearer to the fly). |
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Whether the brilliant gold back or the blue-gray eyes or curving scorpian-like tail, the golden-backed snipe fly is an insect I won't forget (I hope).
Photo note: Both photos were taken with the Pentax K20D with the Voigtlander 125mm macro lens in mid-July in the Toftrees game land, north of Cooper's Pond, State College, Pennsylvania. |