Here are two more pictures of mating insects — well, it is that time of year. These are robber flies.
A Robber fly, also known as an assassin fly, is large and a powerful flyer. Its name reflects the fly’s aggressive predation: it feeds on other insects captured in flight. It has been a decade since I watched a robber fly feasting on a captured bee.
This interaction was more convivial.
Robber flies mating. I think that the female is on top.
A view from the other side showing the interlocking abdomens.
Wow, blown up this much, I’d rather avoid being close!
Beautiful, other worldly and with magnificent detail!
Are you using a macro lens? What is the magnification?
Tom, yes, and stopped way down for good depth of field (which prompted a ring flash for light). The flies were about one centimetre long.