HodgePodge Images: MES Winter Workshop: Discovering the Magic of Flower Flies

I’ve always had a soft spot for underdogs—maybe because I’ve often felt like one myself. It’s probably why I love photographing the tiny, easily overlooked things in the world. About six years ago, I started spending time with the Maine Entomological Society. I tell people, “They find the bugs, I shoot them,” though these days I’m finding my fair share too.

Every winter, MES holds a workshop featuring presentations around a particular theme. They’re usually in Augusta, which is a bit of a drive for me, so I haven’t always been eager to attend. Last year’s topic was mosquitoes… not exactly inspiring. But this year? Flower flies—also known as hover flies. If you’ve seen my insect photography, you know hover flies are some of my favorites.

The first presenter for 2026 was Dr. Jeff Skevington, one of the leading experts on flower flies, from Carleton University in Ontario. He co‑authored FieldGuide to the Flower Flies of Northeastern North America back in 2017, and as a self‑proclaimed field guide nerd, I can say it’s one of the most beautiful guides I’ve ever seen. I didn’t buy a copy (I already have a shelf of guides I barely open because I do most of my ID online) but hearing him talk about the work behind the book was fascinating.

He shared stories about the challenge of establishing common names, disagreements with British entomologists as common names in the UK are often different, and the issue of misidentified or rediscovered species in places like Russia and China, where researchers don’t always have access to work done elsewhere. I was completely absorbed. I even told friends that if I’d heard this presentation 30 years ago, I might have pursued a graduate degree in entomology.

Dr Skevington spoke about identification, behavior, classification, and more, and explained it in a way that the amateurs among us could easily follow. Later in the day, Dr. Skevington took us deeper into how the guide is structured and how to use it effectively. He also discussed the addendum he released after the book’s publication, which tracks updates in flower fly taxonomy—almost apologizing for how quickly the science evolved after 2017.

One of the things that stuck with me throughout the workshop was just how important hover flies are to the ecosystems we take for granted. Their larvae are voracious aphid predators, acting as a natural form of pest control that gardeners and farmers quietly benefit from every day. And the adults are surprisingly powerful pollinators—responsible for an estimated 38% of all pollination, second only to bees. It’s amazing how much impact something so small can have.

Next up was Dr. Scott Clem, speaking via Zoom from his lab at Illinois State University. Part of his research focuses on flower fly migration—how some genera migrate while others don’t, and how that behavior ties into host plants and other ecological clues. It was eye‑opening to realize how much movement and mystery surrounds these small insects.

After lunch, Dr. Ron Butler and Beth Swartz presented on the Maine Flower Fly Survey, the first Maine survey run almost entirely online. Everything—from orientation to species submissions—is done digitally, mostly through iNaturalist. This design makes it easier for citizen scientists from all over the state to participate. This survey is the 4^th run by the Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, following invertebrates, butterflies, and bumble bees.

Dr. Butler emphasized how important it is to gather as much photographic data as possible—different angles, host plants, and anything else that helps with identification. Uploading multiple photos from a phone can be tricky, especially if location services aren’t turned on, but even one photo is enough to set a location and one can add more images later from a desktop.

The workshop wrapped up with hands‑on sample identification. As a photographer, watching Dr. Skevington work at the microscope—with his guide open beside him and a tiny specimen in hand—was a treat. The crowd formed around him, full of questions, and he patiently explained what he looks for when identifying species. It was the perfect way to end a day of learning, curiosity, and appreciation for the tiny creatures that often go unnoticed.

Bee Mimics

Did you find your way here after a hike where Kate was the volunteer photographer? Perhaps you've enjoyed her images or seen her byline on one of many environmental websites. Kate is a naturalist and largely self-taught photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty and urgency of the natural world. Having photographed hundreds of environmental events for nonprofit organizations—entirely self-funded—she is now asking for your help to upgrade her equipment. Your support will allow her to continue providing high-quality, impactful images that support conservation efforts. Ways you can help:

• Share this campaign with friends, family, and nature lovers at GoFundMe. https://gofund.me/4cff87b7e

• Follow Kate on social media to see the journey unfold at https://hodgepodgeimages.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-hodgepodge-images-project.html

• Connect Kate with organizations that might benefit from my photography. You can check out the HodgePodgeImage Portfolio website at https://HodgePodgeImages.com

Thanks!