I tend to celebrate the classically appealing flora and fauna—flowers and furries; but insects, belonging to the most common largest animal order phylum^[1] on earth, the Arthropoda, are also beautiful. I can't am too lazy (& to be fair, busy to) compete with the serious macro photographers, even a phone camera can show these elegant animals^[2] off.

Insect; Pixelpro6, 17sep2025; cropped in gimp

This critter is most likely a hoverfly, a Batesian mimic^[3] that is harmless, but looks like the painfully stinging wasp it has evolved to imitate; but sharp observation meant I could distinguish, and cheerfully photograph this animal putzing about on my thigh with an eye to taking reference for the various artists in my life, myself not excluded.

Enjoy!