Big Bug

I don't know, looks like a black bee? Perhaps a queen bee if it was big?

Lucky you to have been in Limone! Do you have some other photos?

Sticki, when I say big I mean big, about 3/4 inches in length black with sort of blue iridescent wings.
I took about 50 photographs of the blighter because he wouldn't stay still for more than a couple of seconds.
I got myself into all sorts of positions trying to get a good shot. The people watching me must have thought I was some sort of demented nutter. I was also extremely hot I was sweating so much I nearly passed out, the wife thinks I'm crazy anyway.

Have a look at this

http://www.adkinsbeeremoval.com/bee-id-chart.php

It might be a carpenter bee??

I would think you were crazy if you were missing out on Italian ice cream!

Karenfrance posted a similar looking Bee...I don't know if she managed to identify it. You could PM her and ask.

Hi Treetop! Yes they're big beasties!
I think that Sticki's right - Carpenter Bee...
I had a couple of them in my garden and was in a quandary about what to do with them...there's a running commentary about the damage they were doing in my photos, pages 3 and 4...
...they seem to like salvias!