When I spotted this small fruit fly, I noticed that it was having difficulty moving about and was unable to fly - then, I saw the engorged red mite attached to its side (along with several smaller ones) - likely the cause of its problems. Being engrossed in getting the fly in focus, I didn't notice until later that the fly's two middle legs were no longer functioning - so it truly was on its last legs :( 40D, MP-E 65 mm, 1/125, f/16, ISO 400, MT-24 twin lites (diffused), hand held. All comments are welcome and appreciated.
Hey Steve,
Hard to feel bad for a fly......but you manged to do just that! Tansluscence of the wings is cool.....so wish I could see other wing also.....but very cool nature story we don't often get to see!
Beautiful detail where it counts on this, Steve! The mite may be a horrible parasite but it sure adds some nice color that contrasts nicely with the relatively plain colored fly.
Another amazing image, Steve. I don't know that I would have known that the red thing was a mite - you bug guys are light years ahead of me in that respect.
I know the DOF on this lens is very tricky. I think you did very well here although I would have liked to have seen the very back end of the bug a little sharper. I do like how the one wing is almost non-existent (because of the angle) letting us see the other wing clearly and in great detail.