Bees ... where are they?

Lotus-eater

Probably some kind of hoverfly
http://www.hoverfly.org.uk/album_cat.php?cat_id=1

point3

My dwarf lilac was positively buzzing this morning.

[Deleted User]

MRSTITTLEMOUSE wrote: »

Can anyone tell me what this insect is,it looked like a wasp but was black and white instead of yellow and white and had what looked like two huge red eyes,although they were markings on the top of it's head.Same wings as a wasp too.I've never seen one before and just wondered what it was.

I wish I had seen it. It could still have been a Wasp. We have quite a few varieties of Wasps in the UK.

It's a shame most people seem to think of them as nasty insects as they too can pollinate plants and have just as much right to life as a Bee or a Butterfly.

foreign_correspondent

maybe a hornet?

nodwah

I spent virtually all day in the garden on Friay - it was lovely and sunny and no wind but I only saw one bee!

The fruit bushes are usually buzzing with a deafening sound but not this year

[Deleted User]

foreign_correspondent wrote: »

maybe a hornet?

The OP said it was black and white. Hornets are a nice chestnut colour so probably not. Difficult isn't it without a picture? I think I might give up on this one!

Ken68

MRSTITTLEMOUSE wrote: »

Can anyone tell me what this insect is,it looked like a wasp but was black and white instead of yellow and white and had what looked like two huge red eyes,although they were markings on the top of it's head.Same wings as a wasp too.I've never seen one before and just wondered what it was.

Could be this Mrstittlemouse..

http://www.gardenbanter.co.uk/archive/index.php/t-148372.html

Jadedwords

I hadn't noticed the absence of bees until this thread but... I haven't seen one all year!

And I'm very rural. Hmm :S
Lots of flies though.

ALIBOBSY

I sat watching bees go i and out of my broad bean flowers yesterday afternoon, what a lovely sight. There were some honey bees but mostly bumble bees.

ali x

purplepardalis

All the bees are in my garden! I have loads of them and a number of flowers which they love - not thanks to me but thanks to the previous occupier!

Lots of bumbles and a few other kinds - it's lovely to see them and fortunately they don't bother me at all