Gnat Ogres: Our Puny Predators

Our smallest Robber Fly, Holcocephala fusca (on plastic in above photo)
I’m really not planning on making this “tiny creatures week.” My knees and eyes can't handle that. But since I saw these near-to-my-heart insects mentioned elsewhere today, I just couldn't hold my Ogres any longer. Unfortunately I have an unsteady hand, and I have yet to learn to acquiesce to a tripod. This is where my self-described “impressionist photography” comes in to play. So just look at the dimensions, shadows, and reflected light. And pay attention next time you see a tiny fly-like bug perched anywhere - It may be a Gnat Ogre on the hunt!

The Diogmites Days of Summer

Well it was either that title or "The Bugs of Summer" which put Don Henley singing in my head. Why am I finally going outside and taking photos now that it's 90 degrees and mosquitoes have been waiting and reading the menu? I don't know, but I'm certainly glad I braved the heat this morning: I noticed a good-sized robber fly perched in trumpet vine foliage. I dashed in to get my camera and 400mm lens. The large insect had changed positions when I returned - He had nabbed what looked like a European paper wasp (yeah!) I focused my camera and attempted to take a photo, but all that happened was "beep, beep, beep!" My shutter wouldn't release. After a few failed attempts and some cursing which thankfully was drowned out by kids screaming in the pool next door, I realized I must have accidentally pushed the shutter delay button. (And now I think I should read my camera manual, four years late.) Once I composed myself the robber fly and prey were nowhere to be found. But I am happy this awesome hunter is around our yard and feasting! These photos are of a similar robber fly, Diogmites neoternatus, who took a swim in our pool two years ago. (Use Baquacil pool chems, not chlorine) I netted this surprising two-inch creature from the water and placed it in a pot, thinking it was dead. Later I was startled to see it sitting next to me on the deck. (I thought the slouched posture was a hangover from drinking swimming pool water, but turns out they always look like that.)