Black Eyed Susan

As I stopped for a rest from the steep climb out of Alley Springs, Missouri in the Ozarks, I spotted this insect with its shiny wings buzzing around some flowers. These flowers are aptly named black-eyed susans. I am told that this big, metallic looking insect is called a flower fly. It has distinctive white spots on the back of its abdomen. I had never seen anything like it before. It took its time at each flower. I assume it was feeding on the pollen.

Despite what one might guess, neither the Rockies nor the Appalachians was the most difficult hill climb of the trip for me. The Ozarks consisted of many short but VERY steep hills. Unlike climbing a mountain pass, you never knew when you were finished climbing. The intense humidity and heavy car traffic also added to the difficulty.

next photo

back to Photos page