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Any bee experts out there?

FritillariaScotlandFritillariaScotland Posts: 67
in Problem solving
In the past couple of weeks I've noticed lots of insects around our conifer hedge which is covered in ivy. Could anyone tell me what kind of bee this is? Or am I going to be really embarrassed and be told it's a wasp or a bee imitating fly? 😂

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I think your suspicions are right ... it's a type of bee fly ... lots of info here

    https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/insects-invertebrates/bee-flies/

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    It's a drone fly which is a honey bee mimic. There's a few different flavours but I'd need to see more photos to be able to give a better idea of which one it is.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Wild edges knows much more about these things than I do.  B)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FritillariaScotlandFritillariaScotland Posts: 67
    Hahahaha, at least by now I know enough to know I don't know enough! Thank you both, I'll have a wee read on the link you've posted. I'm also attaching another photo just for kicks, thank you @Dovefromabove and @wild edges 
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Can't tell for sure but I'd be tempted to say https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/tapered-drone-fly
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • CrazybeeladyCrazybeelady Posts: 778
    How funny, I was scouring the web for images of this very creature the other day! I had ruled out bee eventually as it only has one pair of wings - also it hovers and bees don't do that. I just decided it must be some kind of hoverfly!
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