Spotted Wing Fruit Fly (Drosophila suzukii)

These images result from an assignment to photograph an invasive fruit fly that threatens fruit and berry crops. Unlike domestic fruit flies that typically attack decaying fruit, these prefer fresh and ripening fruit. They can turn a fresh berry crop into mush in just a few days. 


Originally called asian fruit flies, they are a new, invasive species that threatens agriculture across North America.


Fruit flies are tiny. Doing an insect portrait at this scale is a serious technical challenge, and I was unsure that I could pull off by the assigned deadline. I won't bore you with all of the technical details, but I used the same stacking technique discussed in yesterday's post.



portrait of a female spotted wing fruit fly (Drosophila suzukii)



portrait of a female spotted wing fruit fly (Drosophila suzukii)



portrait of a male spotted wing fruit fly (Drosophila suzukii)

The Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta)

If you have ever been to the southern part of the United States, you probably learned early on that it is not wise to sit in the grass for a picnic, or any other activity. Thanks to this vicious little insect, the imported red fire ant, many outdoor activities take on a certain edge of risk.


These ants are tiny and hard to spot, and since their accidental introduction to the U.S. in the 1930's, they have become a major pest. With no native predators to keep them in check, their populations have expanded through the southern part of North America.


Their little nest mounds are everywhere, and easy to spot if you know what to look for.



imported red fire ant (solenopsis invicta) nest mound

If you agitate the nest mound at all, they emerge in mass to defend their home.



imported red fire ant (solenopsis invicta) defensive reaction

For such a small ant they pack a powerful sting.



imported red fire ant (solenopsis invicta)


Photographing the portrait below was not easy. I had to use a magnifying loupe to see which end of the ant was the front! 





imported red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta)