 EPOD - a service of USRA

The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes
and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and
archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory
captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The
community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and
relevant links.


 Iridescent Wings of a Hoverfly

   January 22, 2021

    Firfly wings

   Photographer:  Juan Manuel Pérez Rayego
   Summary Authosr:  Juan Manuel Pérez Rayego;  Jim Foster

   The photo above shows a  long hoverfly ( Sphaerophoria scripta)
    pollinating a flower in a garden near Merida, Spain. Even in late
   November, when this photo was captured, these flies are active
   pollinators when weather conditions are favorable. Note its gauzy,
    iridescent wings. The pastel coloration results from
    diffraction of sunlight rather than pigment permeation. In essence,
   the ultra-thin wings act to broaden  dispersed sunlight, causing
   colors to overlap.
     * Merida, Spain Coordinates:  38.9394, -6.3652

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   - Birds on the Move  EPOD 20th - The Puddling of Butterflies
    More...

Animal Links

     *  Animal Diversity Web
     *  ARKive
     *  BirdLife International
     *  Bug Guide
     *  Discover Life
     *  Integrated Taxonomic Information System
     *  Microbial Life Resources
       Earth Science Picture of the Day is a service of the
-
        Universities Space Research Association.

https://epod.usra.edu
 
