Deer flies (g. Chrysops)

[DanK]

We have had distressingly few bugs of many sorts this year, I think because of a late freeze. My garden, which is normally swarming with pollinators, has had almost none so far, and the mountains where I walk had very few as well. But one genus that seems to have done remarkably well this year is Chrysops, parasitic flies that are called "deer flies" on this side of the pond. Once they find you, they don't give up, and I don't think I can recall any year when they have been as much of a nuisance. However, they are remarkably attractive, if you ignore the saw-like mouth parts. Here are two different species that are both abundant where I was last week. The larger, orange-bodied species goes for your head. The smaller black ones like ankles too.

C&C welcome, of course.

[Shadowman]

Nice set.

[Ziggy]

Nice eyes Dan!

[rudi]

They have a very nasty bite, but attractive eyes !! Like the second one best.
It looks like you shot this with a ringflash ??

[IzzieK]

They have a very nasty bite, but attractive eyes !! Like the second one best.
It looks like you shot this with a ringflash ??

I did not understand what you mean until I looked at image #2...I agree with you. Good eye, Rudi.

Dan -- #1 is most attractive. Nice set.

[DanK]

Thanks, all. Rudi, I have never used a ring flash. When I was starting with macro, I read postings from several superb bug photographers saying that they never use ring flashes because of the flat lighting effect they create. I use a single flash with a home-made diffuser. The setup was much like the photo below, except that I had the flash positioned more to the top of the lens. This works fine except when you find you would really like the lighting on the other side :-(

[bnnrcn]

Ugly critters, but nice images Dan

[rudi]

...I have never used a ring flash....

So my memory served me well. Hence the reason I am confused about what caused the ring off light on the head, and I could only think off a ringflash.