Mating Houseflies
24 worksFirst upload: May 2020Peak: 2026Last 12 months: 9
📝 Description
These images depict houseflies engaged in the act of mating. Photographers are drawn to this subject for the opportunity to capture macro details, such as the insects' large red compound eyes and textured bodies against natural backgrounds. The shots vary in perspective, ranging from side profiles on broad leaves to close-ups that emphasize the physical connection between the pair. This collection unites around the biological behavior of *Musca domestica* in a natural setting.
How to shoot it
🕐 Time of day
Most shot between 15:00 and 18:00 (37% of frames)
Based on 19 frames with camera data. Camera clock time; the time zone is unknown.
Shooting usually takes place in the morning (6–9 am) and afternoon (3 pm), when insect activity is highest.
🗓️ Season
Most shot in: July, April, May
Based on 19 frames with camera data
The best months for shooting are April, May, June, and especially July, during the active vegetation and reproduction period of insects.
🎒 Gear
Use a macro lens (focal length 60–105 mm) or special smartphone attachments. A tripod is recommended for stability at short shutter speeds.
Cameras and lenses the authors used (5)
🧳 What to bring
Spare batteries, rain cover for equipment, insect repellent, comfortable shoes and clothing for nature walks.
⚙️ Settings
Shutter 1/160 (1/250 – 1/100)Aperture f/13 (f/2.7 – f/25)ISO 250 (100 – 2500)Focal length 70 mm (6 – 105)
Based on 15 frames with camera data. Median and 10-90% range across the idea frames.
The key parameter is aperture: f/13 (range f/2.7–f/25) provides the necessary depth of field. Shutter speed 1/160 s, ISO 250.
⚠️ Good to know
Shooting takes place in the natural habitat on plant leaves. It is important to follow ethics: do not disturb insects or damage vegetation while composing the shot.
📈 How the idea developed
works uploadedshare of all site uploads, per 100k
The date is when the file was uploaded to the site. The chart counts works assigned to the idea.
✅ How to repeat it
- Look for flies on the edges of leaves where contrast with the background is maximum
- Shoot on cloudy days or in shade for soft light and detail
- Use a blurred green background (bokeh) to highlight the red eyes of insects
✨ Interesting facts
- 🏆 How the best frame was shot: Nikon D7500, 1/320, f/25, ISO 125, 105 mm
- 🔇 74% of frames were shot at ISO 400 or lower: almost no noise, any modern camera will do
- 📐 83% of frames are landscape orientation
- 🥇 11 works reached the finals. Best contest: Macro: Duet 2026
- 👤 Most frequent authors: ARUNAVA DEY 2Uesan Aliace 2
- 🌍 Authors by country: 🇮🇳 IN 12🇯🇵 JP 2🇷🇺 RU 1🇮🇩 ID 1🇷🇸 RS 1
Some tips are prepared by AI from the idea description, photos and their EXIF. Check the rules and access to places before you travel.
Works
These lists are generated automatically and may contain inaccuracies. Photos are shown in random order, and selections are refreshed twice a day. This section is made for exploring photos and does not claim 100% accuracy. The lists include photos that previously participated in contests that are already completed.
