Huge Bee

ladyjane23

I had a huge bee nesting in my hanging basket. My basket moaned when I watered so I tipped it out and a huge bee with something hanging to it (could have been compost ) flew out. I have had honey bees in my bird box but nothing this large. What could it be !

Blue Onion

Murder hornet?  Just kidding.  Was it fuzzy like a bee?  Or could it have been a hornet?  Maybe a beewolf or such carrying it's lunch?

ladyjane23

😂 it was like a honey bee but it went off so quickly moaning all the way. I love bees and yes it could have been his lunch but I made such it wasn’t a piece of me I moved very quickly out of the way…

Fairygirl

Honeybees are small and dark. Are you sure it wasn't just a large, 'standard' black and yellow striped bee? There are lots of types in gardens  

ladyjane23

Hello Fairygirl. Yes it could have been another type. My honey bees are small but this was the largest bee I have seen. I hope it comes back. I will keep an eye out for it and hope to have a better look . Watch this space snd thank you for your comment 

Fairygirl

We get huge ones in early spring if it's nice weather. I presume they're the overwintering queens, but I'm not sure.
Some of the 'boys' on the forum who know their stuff re wildlife of all kinds might be able to help  - @wild edges and @Alan Clark2 in Liverpool might see this and look in. if you can get a photo that will help as well   

Alan Clark2 in Liverpool

I suspect it is a virgin queen bumble bee, they are bigger than the workers. They leave the nest at the end of summer, mate, hibernate, and then start a new nest in spring.

ladyjane23

Oh thank you . I hope it finds a new home quickly .

Fairygirl

Cheers @Alan Clark2 in Liverpool