Who knows what this monster bug is? It is the first one I have ever seen. It looks like a combination between a bee, a hoverfly and a cicada! It is much bigger than a hoverfly; about the size of a small Bumble Bee.
This is a different sort of bug - but equally unknown to me. A fly of some sort, judging by those huge eyes.
I don't know. Is the first one a hornet?
ReplyDeleteThey are both from a family of Tabanoidae I think.
ReplyDeleteTahanus bovinus
ReplyDeleteI don't know what they are, but I don't think I like them.
ReplyDeleteIf they are horseflies they can give a nasty bite so watch out.
ReplyDeleteWish we could see the things that have been biting us coming - they sneak up on us unawares.
Mark that thing is huge, and pretty ugly! If I were a caterpillar I'd run screaming at the sight of it, so it can't be too bad a thing to have in your garden.
ReplyDeleteTry http://www.ispot.org.uk/
ReplyDeleteLucy
Wow, great photos.
ReplyDeleteHey Mark I've nominated you for an award. :)
The yellow and black combination is one of the most attractive colour combination in nature. The first bug seems to have "DANGER" written all over it. I would have thought it is a hornet, but I can't see its stinger at the bottom.
ReplyDeleteI am loving your blog Mark! I tell my husband you are my go to guy for all things veg. I just awarded you the 'versatile blogger' award for all the great advice and fantastic photos http://jileenharkins.blogspot.com/2011/08/versatile-blogger-award.html Your blog really encouraged me to get out there and get a' digging! Cheers
ReplyDeleteNot sure about the flying insects but good photos. The Hergest Croft photos you posted a few days ago are really fab, not just your photography but what a great garden! Re: yesterday post, your celeriac looks ready to eat, my bulbs are underground rather than on top (maybe I planted too deeply or maybe they're not ready?). I've workmen in the house last week and this week - very hectic & not much time to garden unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteNot sure you will see this but i came across your blog after finding the same onster bug as you. After a lot of hunting it turns out that it is a Volucella zonaria, the hornet mimic hoverfly :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the trouble to let me know!
DeleteThis monster can it sting?
DeleteHi Mark,
ReplyDeleteI was came across your site looking for an answer on the same question. I've found it! It's a Volucella zonaria.
Kind regards