This apparent small blob of semi-translucent jelly is a hoverfly larva. I discovered this one on my roses, and it loves aphids and should help to keep their numbers down.
I don’t know what species it is, but it is quite amazing to think that after consuming hundreds of aphids in this stage it will grow into an adult similar to what can be seen below. It is called the Marmalade Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus).
May 2018, rear garden, Staffordshire, England. © Pete Hillman
Nature Journeys 
Great shots there Pete.
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Thank you, Brian 🙂 Go back a few years and seeing these larvae repulsed me, but now I get up close and personal with them. Crazy world! 🙂
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That is incredible Pete! And I love the name Marmalade Hoverfly!
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Thank you, Liz 🙂 Nature is so amazing how it keeps on going, transforming itself to survive.
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Yes it is amazing indeed Pete 🙂 Thank you.
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🙂
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I’ve never seen one that I can recall. I will have to look closer at my flowers to see if I can find one.
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They do camouflage really well with their background sometimes, so they can be quite a challenge to fiind at times.
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I believe we have the same one in the USA. The adult’s mimicry of wasps and bees is incredible!
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The audults can have such beautiful colours and markings, and as you say their mimicry is incredible.
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Interesting background. Must say I prefer the adult. Nice shots!
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Thank you, Belinda 🙂 I prefer the adult, too.
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Excellent macro shots, Pete! 🙂
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Thank you, Indira 🙂
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I have a couple of shots of the Marmalade hoverfly and it may well have been after encountering the species on your blog that I recognised it when I first saw it. Never seen the larvae though.
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The larvae can be pretty hard to spot as some species camouflage quite well.
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Great shots here.
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Thank you 🙂
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A very interesting and special larva and as always, brilliant macro shots!
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Thank you 🙂 Helping to keep those aphids down.
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Wow. Perfect image! The depth of color and details on these guys are amazing!
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Thank you, Sumyanna 🙂
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I will look forward to welcoming marmalade (or any) hoverflies into my garden to help control the growing aphid population. Great shots.
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Thank you, Jill 🙂
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