Tiger Bee Fly

It reminds me a bit of a horse fly, though I think the wings are a bit too long. I can't like the photo - I was once very ill as a child after a horse fly bite. I've just googled them, and have freaked myself out? (not really...?)

It doesn't look real. It looks like it's made of some metal.

Whatever it is Paul,I love it's wings like lace,or metal ,as Hywel suggests...

It's very peculiar looking for sure - it does look like metal, but it's a very real bug.

No idea Paul ,sorry !

I will post it on our local Radio Gardeners F/B page,and see if anyone knows what it is....Photo now posted,so awaiting an ID..watch this space,hopefully :o)

Thanks Sandra. It almost looks alien. What an odd looking creature. I never know what's going to fly in next ahh the joys of gardening :)

No comments as yet Paul..I'll keep checking..I'm going out soon,so it may be this afternoon before I can check again..I'm sure someone will know..as there over 4,000 members on his F/B page..:o)

OK, I'm just sitting here with my coffee before work. Today's going to be a hot one but I'll be in my office in the city.

It's another wet miserable day here Paul..going out for lunch soon ,to cheer us up..keep cool,and don't work too hard ! :o)

thanks Sandra. Enjoy your lunch.

Not much luck so far Paul..one person thought I meant ID for the plant ..and another said they were glad it was in New York ! lol..I shall keep checking..surely someone somewhere will give it a name ? I am intrigued :o)

I wonder if it could be a Tiger Bee Fly ... have a look at images of it on Google!

Shirley,I had just checked to see if I had any more comments,and someone has also suggested a Tiger Bee fly too..thank you..I have googled it now,and that seems to confirm it...so Paul..you can rest easy,you have an answer :o) Apparently,it isn't a friend of the Carpenter bee,as it seeks out their habitats,usually holes in fence posts or similar,and mixes it's eggs with those of the bee..and when the larvae hatch,they feed on the emerging Carpenter bees..It isn't poisonous,and won't harm people or plants..info courtesy of Google ,if you want to read up about it :o)

It's an ugly critter, Sandra! :o(

Thank you so much Sandra and Shirley. That's interesting. You both get gold stars next your names :). Humm here's another reason why our bees are in trouble. I'll have to read up on it.

Melchisedec: I know what you mean about those horse flies and can't blame you. I hate them too and they give a nasty bite. These just look nasty but actually harmless.

Thanks Paul ... not had a Gold Star for ages! :o)

It is,Shirley..apart from it's wings.:o)

you are welcome,Paul..it was interesting trying to research it..If you don't mind,I would prefer a nice cream cake,instead of a Gold star ! Lol..Don't forget,if you ever revisit England ! :o)

Oh that's great Sandra. I'd love to make that happen. We'll round up the others and invade the local pub by storm.

In that case,we may have to hire the Royal Albert Hall in London,to accommodate all our Goy friends :o)

Yes and you can invite Thomas & Alfie to join us. LOL

Lol,can you imagine two little boys running riot in the Albert Hall? I think we will pass on that one..adults only ! :o)

Your call Sandra. I'm with you!

:o))

Excellent to have an identification, and I'm very glad it's harmless. (Still can't like it, though!)

I'm always drawn to the strange and unusual. I wonder what that says about me? humm!

You may very well think so. I could not possibly comment... (And that is a quote!)