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Steve Maxson
05-21-2012, 11:10 AM
I photographed this Stilt-legged Fly (Family Micropezidae) in Costa Rica. Although not evident in this extreme closeup view, this species is a very convincing ant mimic. At a distance of 14 inches (the distance at which my bifocals focus), the wings are not visible and it looks just like an ant (an ant specialist would probably notice the lack of ant-like antennae). Every time I saw one of these - even after I knew what to look for - I thought it was an ant until I got up close with the MP-E lens :t3. 5D II, MP-E 65mm, 1/200, f/16, ISO 400, MT24-EX Macro Twin Flash (diffused), handheld. All comments are welcome and appreciated.

Allen Sparks
05-23-2012, 07:25 AM
Hi Steve, I thought this was an ant from the thumbnail. Excellent sharpness where it needs to be and I like the leaf providing foreground and background. Interesting species. well done.

Allen

Jim Bridges
05-23-2012, 07:44 AM
Steve, you did a excellent job on a really cool critter, I've never even heard of one before seeing this...the depth of field is fabulous!

Jonathan Ashton
05-23-2012, 11:40 AM
Must take some doing to get so close and such good focus, a really fine shot. I am guessing the flash provides the correct exposure and motion stopping features as I presume it is quite dull in the jungle.

Juan Carlos Vindas
05-23-2012, 07:36 PM
Very cool looking fly.

Ken Childs
05-28-2012, 11:05 AM
Again you surprise me with that lens....I didn't think you could squeeze that much DOF out of it! Lighting and exposure look spot on! The only minor thing I might change would be to clone out the 2 white patches at the bottom of the frame.

I'm sure that from the side this is a perfect ant mimic. About how big are these flies?

Steve Maxson
05-29-2012, 11:54 AM
Thanks for the comments folks!

Jonathan - Yes, the flash is the main light and stops motion in the subject as well as my movement from hand holding.

Ken - This little guy is about 1/3 inch long. When viewed from above, with your eye, the wings are not visible - nor are the rather distinct mouthparts. :S3: