Outside our back door is a large ornamental pot, which we planted some years ago with an African lily (Agapanthus sp). Thankfully, the plant survived last winter’s severe frosts and seems to be thriving. This season it has produced six large flower buds, which are gradually beginning to open.
When I opened the door this morning I found half a dozen marmalade hoverflies (Episyrphus balteatus) jockeying for position around the few flowers that have opened so far. This is one of the most abundant and easily recognised hoverflies in the British Isles, characterised by the pattern of orange and black bands on its abdomen. According to Natural England, it’s a beneficial species to have in the garden because its larvae eat aphids.
These shots were taken with an Olympus E-3, fitted with a Zuiko 50mm macro lens.
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