hoverflies

Nature photographers in the Netherlands are sharing close-up images of hoverflies as the autumn season sets in. The macro shots highlight the insects still active in fall, and Dutch-language nature communities are circulating the images under seasonal wildlife tags, celebrating the detail of native fauna in the changing landscape.

The common heath hoverfly (Paragus haemorrhous), a hoverfly measuring just 5 mm, is being highlighted for its distinctive uniformly hairy eyes, clearly visible in close-up images. The species' larvae feed on aphids, while the adults visit flowers, including those of annual plants. Nature enthusiasts are sharing observations of this small but striking insect.