Lord of the Flies...........Macro Photgraphy

There are approximately 120,000 species of flies that have been described by science. The actual number of species in the world is likely to be much larger. Species of flies are grouped into genera and families. Within a family and genus the species may share similar habits and lifestyles such as blood feeding or breeding in filth.

Depending on the species, either females, or both sexes of biting flies feed on blood. Biting fly mouth parts also differ based on feeding strategies. A mosquito uses its needlelike proboscis to suck blood, while larger horse flies use slicing appendages to tear flesh. Biting flies often are most active in warm, humid daytime hours and lay their eggs in decaying organic material such as mulch or even in or near bodies of water. 

While filth flies do not feed on blood, they are extremely unsanitary, feeding and laying their eggs in trash, feces or decaying material. Filth flies are known carriers of over 100 diseases, including cholera and anthrax. Common house flies, drain flies, blow flies and phorid flies are common filth flies, although many other species of filth flies exist. 

Fruit flies are an example of a small type of fly. They favour fruits and other sugary, organic substances as feeding and breeding sites. Consumption of infested fruits and vegetables can lead to severe intestinal discomfort.

However, many fly species help break down and consume garbage, feces, decaying vegetation and dead animal bodies. Some species of flies assist with the pollination of plants. The forensic field sometimes uses the appearance of blowfly larvae to help determine the time of death in homicide cases. In the medical field, doctors may use fly larvae, or maggots, when debriding wounds in burn patients. 

On balance though, it is fair to say that flies really do not contribute much that is positive to our world!

Below are some fly images that I have taken during 2018 with my Nikon D500, often utilising Raynox DCR 150, or DCR 250, Macro Converters attached to my Nikon 70-200 f4 lens, with a Marumi Macro Ringflash to illuminate the insect.

My normal 'macro' set-up

In most cases, this involved getting the camera lens to within just a few centimeters of my subject and working with a focusing depth of just a few millimeters. Not easy and potentially dangerous with a nervous insect that regularly moves, or flies away. Whilst many photographers will use dead samples for macro photography, I have always believed that my subjects should be very much alive.

Having said that, I personally contracted viral encephalitis (swelling of the brain) a few years ago from a Mosquito bite. Although it took me over 2 years to recover, it will be with me for life and as far as I am concerned, the only good mosquito, is a DEAD mosquito!! 

'Close up' of a flies tounge
 If this picture measures 11 x 15cms on your screen, then approx 200 'life size' flies would fit in the same space!

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