What is this beast?!
jenny213
Posts: 3
While weeding this morning I was joined by this insect. It wasnt bothered by me being so close and stayed on the flower for about 10 minutes. I would guesstimate its length to be 1.5 inches possibly more. I have searched a few image galleries of common bees but can't see anything quite right and it seems to have a 'waist' too wide to be a wasp?
Last edited: 30 June 2017 13:09:57
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It isn't a bee or wasp, which have longer antennae and four wings, it looks like a hoverfly, which mimic bees and wasps. Dunno the species, but 1.5 inches would be enormous. are you in the UK?
Last edited: 30 June 2017 13:19:08
I agree about 1.5 inches/ cm perhaps?
I think it is the Hornet mimic hoverfly. We had one here last year. gave me a bit of a start.
http://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/volucella-zonaria
Yes I am in the UK..like I said it was a guess, but it was definitely huge!
Yes!! It looks just like the female one on that link. Thank you!