strange bee thing

[aestarte]

could someone please help me identify a bee type insect we saw on holiday in south devon. sorry i haven't any picture of it but here goes. I was about 3 inches long, had four wings and a long thick body it looked like a giant bee but its colouring was more browny than yellow it also had a stinger you wouldn't want to be near as well. hope this gives someone a clue what it is. we also had one chase us down a lane I love all wild life but I didn't want to hang around and make friends with this beastie. Thanks. Fi(pronounced Fee, by the way). X X X X

[eucera]

Originally Posted by aestarte

could someone please help me identify a bee type insect we saw on holiday in south devon. sorry i haven't any picture of it but here goes. I was about 3 inches long, had four wings and a long thick body it looked like a giant bee but its colouring was more browny than yellow it also had a stinger you wouldn't want to be near as well. hope this gives someone a clue what it is. we also had one chase us down a lane I love all wild life but I didn't want to hang around and make friends with this beastie. Thanks. Fi(pronounced Fee, by the way). X X X X

Hi Fi

I wonder if this might have been a Hummingbird Hawkmoth? The"Stinger" might have been its tongue.

No bee has a visible sting at all (you may be relieved to hear)

[Za]

I was wondering if it might be this Giant Wood Wasp from the Gallery (photo by Pete W) although it doesnt have a thick body.
Which I believe is harmless, but could be quite scary!


Za

[aestarte]

Thank you Thank you Thank you, a wood wasp! WOW, spot on. That has saved some sleepless nights wondering. Not so scary now, I sharn't run away from it next time I see it. Thank you so much. Fi. X X X X