It is always a surprise when we look closely and find a flies eyes attached to what we thought was a bees body. Using Batesian mimicry to look like a bee when your really a fly a bee-fly mimic and yellow-jacket mmimic enjoy a sip of nectar from a late blooming sedum plant.
It is always a surprise and reason to take a closer look at the insects in the garden.
nature has no boss 
That’s a beauty, Mike, well worth the time spent capturing it macro.
Syrphid fly, perhaps Syrphus opinator?
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Hi Shannon, it is always fun to use the macOS to ge that close look you can then examine in detail later. Not sure on the fly species there seem to be so many.
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Oh, but not so many with those distinct, beautiful markings. I’m certain you could name him!
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Yes, it is time to break out the bug book and dive in.
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Or lean on the iNat community. I find that no matter the species, there is a geek for it. There is sure to be someone who has a passion for flies. Find her … she’ll help. 😀
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Thanks for the tip. I had not consider that route.
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