Large Wasp/Bee-like Creature

[Chrissie2]

Good, it worked, the one my creature looked like was that on the right hand side of the picture, the largest of the three.

[Jason Green]

Follow these two links: volucella - Google Images and volucella zonaria - Google Images

Do these match? They're pretty big with a low flight sound.

[Chrissie2]

'fraid not, Jason, but thanks for taking the time to find them. The markings are too bold. In the picture I sent, you will see that they are quite subdued. That may just be the lighting in that picture, but that is what my creature looked like. I did see some similar ones a couple of years ago, probably about April-time, as I think they had nested in my log cabin - there were several in there, each time I opened the door - but not quite as big as this one.
Thanks Chrissie.

[Geoff F]

The specimens in Jason's links do look as though they have had quite a bit of flash and can appear a bit more subdued in real life.

If the basic shape is about right it may be worth also checking V. pellucens and V. bombylans, which appears in a variety of colour forms.

See the WAB Gallery here Message - Wildlife Photography

Merodon equestris, which has larvae that attack some garden bulbs, also appears in several colour forms and might be worth a quick peep.

[Chrissie2]

Thanks Geoff - I think those may be a bit too small at 15 -19 mm. Mine was at least 35 mm long and its body appeared to be longer than the wings when the latter were close to the body. I probably won't see it again this year, but will aim to get a photo next year if it materialises again.

Thanks to everyone for your input. I really appreciate your efforts in trying to help me identify this seemingly gentle giant.

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by Chrissie2

I did see some similar ones a couple of years ago

So you've seen them in the same place on a number of occassions? What time of the year have you seen them?

[Geoff F]

Just a final long shot. If they appear to have inhabited a log cabin, could we be talking about a moth here instead of flies.

Not really my subject (like so much else) but off hand, would one of the Clearwing moths fit? I think the Hornet Clearwing moths may be a touch on the small side but is there anything similar? Possibly one of the Hawkmoths?

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

Clearwing moths

Crossed my mind too, but they are quite brightly coloured?

[Chrissie2]

Hi charlieb and Geoff F - Thanks for your replies. I have looked at the Hornet Clearwing on Google and it looks the right shape, although the colouring is more vibrant than the one I saw. I couldn't find info about body length though, just wingspan, or whether it buzzes when it flies. If it fits the criteria of 35mm and has a low loud droning buzz....and comes in less vibrant colouring , then this could be it.

To answer your question charlieb, then I have seen it about April time in previous years but this time was during the last six weeks.

Thanks again
Chris