Fly

Amidst the scorching dry season, many insects have lost their shelter. The once-lush green bushes are now turning yellow, withering, or even dying off. Nowadays, finding insects requires visiting specific locations like the one I am at now. I discovered this fly resting on a small bush at the edge of a reservoir used by farmers to irrigate their crops. It stood calmly on a leaf that was remarkably large compared to its tiny body.

Before the dry season set in, places like this teemed with a wide variety of insects. Now, however, finding them is a challenge almost like hunting for something rare. Yet, I am grateful, despite the intense heat, there is still small-scale life to observe. During this season, not only is it hard to find insects, but photographing them is also difficult. They are strong enough to fly early in the morning, their body temperatures stabilize quickly, so they do not need to wait for the sun to beat down intensely.

Take this fly I photographed, for instance, it appeared so calm standing there. In reality, however, it would not let me get too close. I first spotted it not on that broad leaf, but on a blade of grass nearby. Whenever I approached, it would fly off to another spot. It never flew far, remaining within my reach, but it kept shifting locations. That broad leaf was its final stop. I decided not to try getting any closer, opting instead to take the photo from a slight distance. Fortunately, my mobile phone's zoom was capable of capturing its tiny form.