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Hornet, wasp or bee?

7 replies

ScrambledSmegs · 31/08/2019 18:11

I thought hornets were bigger as most I've seen around the Mediterranean and in other parts of Europe are, but I don't think it's either a bee or a wasp. It has a fuzzy abdomen which I usually associate with bees, but all the other features were very wasp-like.

Ive googled obviously but none of the photos I've found look quite right. Presume I've missed the bleeding obvious - can anyone identify it positively for me?

Hornet, wasp or bee?
OP posts:
ShrimpingViolet · 31/08/2019 18:14

It's a type of big hoverfly I think, OP - A hornet mimic

www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/flies/hornet-mimic-hoverfly

RocketRacoonsFurryBalls · 31/08/2019 18:15

Yeah, hornet-mimic hoverfly. Podgy and cute!

Roselilly36 · 31/08/2019 18:16

Honey bee of some description I expect. Western Honey bee?

ScrambledSmegs · 31/08/2019 18:22

The hornet mimic hoverfly! Yes that's it. Thanks Shrimping and Rocket. Big, aren't they?!

OP posts:
ShrimpingViolet · 31/08/2019 18:26

Massive! We had one in our kitchen the other week and I freaked out at first.

LarkDescending · 31/08/2019 18:34

Nice pic! His/her cousins are in my garden enjoying the sedums.

ScrambledSmegs · 31/08/2019 18:41

Thanks! I had ample opportunity to get a close-up, it was there for ages. From the description I see they’re pretty chilled out little things. Never seen one before.

OP posts:
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