Golden-Backed Snipe Fly
Chrysopilus thoracicus
June 3, 2012
 


  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.

 
Gold-backed snipe fly
 
  Here is a tad closer view (as I slowly worked nearer to the fly).
 
golden-backed snipe fly
 
  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.



A green bee   ||   An eastern pondhawk (dragonfly)

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