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Originally Posted by od0man  I can't think what else it could be confused with - other than Anthophora plumipes, which has clear rather than violet wings, is a little smaller, usually appears in March and favours nesting in the ground or soft mortar. So this is rather unlikely!
This is potentially very exciting given most sightings so far have been on the south coast.
Oh, by the way, high everyone! Just joined and this is my first post; what an exciting first thread to be involved with 
Cheers,
Steve. |
Welcome Steve- yes this is a potentially exciting thread, though best to err on side of caution until we have the evidence. I would have thought mis-identification with Anthophora was unlikely- I would say they are much smaller. It's one of the few solitary bees I can confidently ID; they're regular in my garden visiting the Pulmonarias in early spring. The male resembles Bombus pascourum in general colour but the flight + high-pitched buzz is totally different to any bumblebee!
Let's hope we get some photos on here of the possible Xylocopa!