Out for a quick walk, I didn’t take my macro lens with me. Pity, because I came across a luminescent insect about 2cm in length, sitting on a broken acacia trunk. Turns out it was a large parasitic fly.
According to Museum Victoria, the Tachinid Fly larvae feed on Scarab Beetle larvae. The adults also feed on butterflies, grasshoppers and other insects, helping to control these insect populations. I saw two Tachinid Flies sitting on different parts of the tree trunk, some of which had obvious insect burrows and marks. Perhaps they were laying eggs, but I didn’t get that close!
The Tachinid Fly is native to Australia.
Fifteen Acres 
That’s a big fly and very colourful. Seems like a handy one to have in the garden.
Yes, they were huge! I thought they might be some kind of Cicada at first. Beautifully coloured and seemed very still, They just sat there while I photographed them.
Yesterday I saw a massive black fly sitting on a frame over a Peach Tree so I dashed inside for my camera. When I came out it had moved slightly and as I tried to get a shot it took off. Very disappointing.
Yes – that happens to me too mostly, which is why I was surprised they stayed still. 🙂
I need to get back into the habit of taking my camera with me each time I go out.
Mostly I have my camera, but time to process and post is not as plentiful as it once was. I hope to get back to posting here two times a week at least. that is my 2018 goal.
I always enjoy reading your posts.
Thanks! 🙂