Long shot, but what is it?

[TeresaW]

I only saw this rather striking fellow the once, and only managed to get the one shot of it before he flew away.

[Geoff F]

Impossible to say for sure but I would suspect a hoverfly; Volucella pellucens or Leucozona lucorum.

The legs do appear to have some paler patches which would favour the latter suggestion; but this could just be a trick of the light.

'Anybody else willing to have a guess'.

[TeresaW]

Thank you for that Geoff. I've just had a look at both and I think it's likely the first one Volucella pellucens. Thanks for the guidance though, I'd never have found it without a clue or two

[shenk1]

I'll agree with Geoff F as I had what looks like the same insect the other day.



Is that it?

[TeresaW]

Now why couldn't mine pose for me at the right angle, instead of on a flat leaf just above my eyeline?

Yes, that's about the same as the one I saw, so thank you again.