Hornet Mimic Hoverfly Volucella zonaria

Have a look at Volucella zonaria

Clever you

I dont remember seeing this before , and reading up on this it grubs live in wasps nest , funny enough I have a mini beehive in the same spot as this was ? maybe it was trying to get in which I doubt very much .... mine dont stand for any intruders

Gg

Not clever at all. I looked in Colllins excellent insect book and there it was on the hoverfly page. I've never seen one either. Good luck to it if it tried to get into your hive...
Which part of Wales are you in?

Not far from Cardiff (South)

It may of tried but no way would it get in , I saw a huge wasp trying the other week and they piled out to get it

Gg

Amazing insects aren't they.

Great find and capture I shall have go keep my eye out for one.

well you wont miss it when you see it !!

Gg

Now I ve seen it I wont.

Huge aren't they?

Hi Dotty

I would use the word whopper ! it was in the garden for a couple of days .... have you seen one before ?

Gg

Yes GG......I think I took a photo of it.....my OH informed me what it was! will see if I still have it!

I have a small insect box which is being use by some kind of Bees they are gradually filling up the holes , I'll put a photo on someone may be able to tell me what they are ...

Hi Amy

Sounds like mason bees ....
I will keep a eye out for the photo

Gg

You can't really tell that its big from isolated pics in a book - interesting! It looks as though you've had a few visits from a leaf cutting bee as well. I saw one once flying away with a bit of leaf held in front of it.

Tera they are always eating their way through our plants, make a right old mess sometimes!!
Gnarly have put a pic on for you!!