Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Chatting => Chatting on the Plot => Topic started by: RJR_38 on August 18, 2019, 08:22

Title: Interesting bee?
Post by: RJR_38 on August 18, 2019, 08:22

While pottering around the garden yesterday afternoon I saw this very interesting (bee?) enjoying the nectar. Does anyone know what it is as I’ve never seen one before. The person who lives opposite us does own hives... Or maybe it is some sort of hover fly imitating a bee?...

Title: Re: Interesting bee?
Post by: 8doubles on August 18, 2019, 09:30

Looks like a Drone fly , but not one of the more common ones.

Title: Re: Interesting bee?
Post by: DanielCoffey on August 18, 2019, 21:19

Got it!

Hornet Mimic Hoverfly : https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/flies/hornet-mimic-hoverfly

Good old Google!

Title: Re: Interesting bee?
Post by: sunshineband on August 20, 2019, 18:18

Well done Daniel  :D :D :D :D

Spot on!

Title: Re: Interesting bee?
Post by: mrs bouquet on August 21, 2019, 13:50

 That is a good'photo, and I am glad to find out what the bee is, but for the last couple of weeks, I have been trying to remember the name of the plant it is on, please somebody tell me. :blush:  Mrs Bouquet

Title: Re: Interesting bee?
Post by: DanielCoffey on August 21, 2019, 14:59

Echinops or Globe Thistle. There seems to be a few varieties available.

Title: Re: Interesting bee?
Post by: RJR_38 on August 24, 2019, 13:58

Thanks Daniel!

Mrs Boquet, the plant is actually Erngium (sea holly). It grows green, turns silver and then turns into this this beautiful silvery blue. Insects love it!