Hoverfly on False Dandilion

This hoverfly was so intent on wolfing down pollen that it didn't mind me getting as close as I wanted to. Nice for practice, I got over a dozen shots and a handful that turned out nicely. This one is my favorite because of the shallow depth of field.

Hoverflies are also known as "Flower Flies" or "Syrphid flies" and there are over 6,000 species found world-wide except Antarctica. They often have coloring which mimic bees and wasps, but they are harmless. They are a beneficial insect and eat garden pests such as aphids and leafhoppers. Hoverflies get their name from their ability to hover in place, and often do so when visiting flowers for the pollen and nectar they enjoy.

If you would like to know more about these pretty flies, Wiki has a very nice page here: Wiki: Hoverfly