This hoverfly (Sirphidae) is called Arctophila mussitans, I'm not sure if it has an English name. Although it occurs throughout central Europe and European Russia, it is quite a rare species. It is associated with
woods with little streams in it and has the peak of its distribution in the central European mountainous areas. Apart from that, little is known about its ecology. Good pictures of it are also a rarity. I was lucky enough to photograph this one in Belgium in the steep valley of the Warche river.
Most hoverfly species have adapted their appearance and behaviour to mimic bees, bumblebees or wasps. Arctophila mussitants resembles the bumblebee Bombus muscorum (Moss Carder-bee) and does a pretty good job!
My first RAW edit :): Comments and critique very welcome!!
Camera: Panasonic DMC-FZ18, handheld with image stabiliser, focal length 83 mm (500mm DSLR equivalent), ISO100 F/4.2, 1/40 sec, pattern metering, RAW
RAW editing: Silkypix, EC -1, auto WB, increased sharpness, strong contrast, NR 19.
Cropped in Photopaint to about 60% with panoramic cutoff. Cloned away some disturbing pieces of other leaves from FG and BG.







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