A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Trichopoda lanipes
Family: Tachinidae. Small, dark blue/black fly-like insect. Blue and white lace-like wings. Feathery fringe on hind legs. Very pretty. Very active. Probably a pollinating insect. (Summer 2012) 1 -1.5 cm - the size of a housefly. Adults feed on nectar especially Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot) as shown.
Meadow with abundant weeds and wild flowers
Lost file photos
Great shot of this fly - I think that this is T. lanipes. T. pennipes usually has more orange visible on the abdomen.