I was trying to sneak up on a robber fly, when it took off and landed about 20 feet further away. As I muttered to myself, a “much larger” robber fly popped up and I saw that it was 2 robber flies mating. One landed in the grass and ferns, while the other one kept flying and staying nearly level with the sitting one. They held this sitting/flying position long enough for me to move to the side and get both critters sharp in a single frame. Shortly after this shots, the male (on the right here) stopped flying and settled on the leaves below. A bit of searching on bugguide.net showed me that these are Red-footed Cannibalflies (Promachus rufipes) and that it’s the male on the right. (7D2, 180mm macro, 1/500 s, f/9, iso 800, tripod)
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Wow, Mark, I am simply amazed at the details in both of them in this amazing action shot. You really were fortunate to have been already trying to capture a photo of the first robber fly so that you were aware of it’s location and able to set the tripod up quickly so that you could get this shot. I love the wing motion on the male robber fly. This is just an excellent image.
Mark: These are fearsome looking critters. Probably a good thing they were “occupied”. Great find and an even better capture. >=))>
What an incredible capture!
Totally amazing Mark. Thanks for the extra info about these critters. Great capture.
Wow good for you to get the shot and to get both in focus as well. Unique action for sure.
Mark, Amazing capture and find! there is head to head sharpness and lots of details on both insects.
They say that Luck is when Preparation meets Opportunity and you took full advantage of this opportunity . . . Well Done Sir