what am I

[daniel valovich]

Looks like a syrphid fly but not for sure. Need your opinions
Model: NIKON D300 (https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/view?q=&psc=G&filter=1&camera=NIKON D300)
ISO: 400
Exposure: 1/250 sec
Aperture: 4.0
Focal Length: 300mm

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yU2YpltCxXA/TjLSWR9Xr7I/AAAAAAAAIIo/xVXLlo5bZVM/s800/fly_3.jpg

[Steve Maxson]

Hi Daniel. This cool looking insect is a type of Robber Fly. There about 1,000 species in N. America. I've seen a number of them that are mimics of bumblebees, but this one looks more like a wasp mimic. You captured a nice pose against a clean background. The light is quite harsh giving you a lot of specular highlights and the focus point seems a bit off so the sharpness isn't what it could be. Nevertheless, this is a very interesting fly, which I have not seen, and I hope you get more opportunities to photograph one of these. :S3:

[Jason Stander]

Hi Daniel... superb sighting... yes agree with Steve... robber fly... and looks like a hover fly mimic... agree with Steve on the focus and sharpness... but what beautiful eyes and creature... WD!:w3

[daniel valovich]

Thank you both for the reply. I believe your ID is correct. It was only there for a minute. I was inside the house around noon and I captured the image shooting through a dirty window

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Daniel,
Nice job on the ID by the guys above and VG assesment too. I wish for a better perch too.....but given your explanation.....not enough time and no other options for you! Hope you get more chances as they are very cool looking!