photo by Greg Hofmann

6/28/2004: Summertime at the slough – the bird species may be a bit thinner, but the bugs are definitely buzzing. This little flower-browser is a Syrphid fly, many species of which are called "hover flies" because of their ability (and tendency) to pause motionless in the air; they are also among the few insects that can fly backwards. Hover flies are important polinators. Pictured is the Common Hover Fly (Allograpta obliqua), which is beneficial to agriculture because the larvae feed on aphids.