Inset i.d. (wasp, damselfly and a really ugly something)

[Words]

I saw these on Friday and would welcome some help identifying.

First the wasp... much larger than our standard variety, closer to the size of a bumble bee.


Next up is the damsel... very pale, but note the bright red protrusions around the head/neck area.


Finally, something really ugly which has me stumped. Some sort of fly I would guess.


Thanks!

[Jason Green]

Morning Words,

The first is a Median Wasp, Dolichovespula media - a queen, from the red thorasic markings. Next up is a teneral (meaning newly-emerged) damselfly (not sure which), and lastly it's a female Robberfly (Asilidae) - possibly the Kite-tailed species Machimus atricapillus.

Take care,

Jason

[Harry Eales]

Hello Words,

I agree with Jason on the first and last I.D's, the damselfly is more difficult as it is teneral. The red spots around the head are in fact very small mites that attach themselves to emerging Dragonflies and get transported around. It's one way of getting from one pond to another.

Harry

[GuyF]

Number 2 looks like a mature female Blue-tailed Damselfly, form infuscans, to me.
Guy

[Words]

Thanks all for clearing those up for me. Interesting to learn about the mites on the damselfly.

[Kayleigh]

Nice shots words, I like the damselfly.
I have a question..do robber-flies bite..
I was bitten by something that looked similar.

[eucera]

I would suggest that the Median Wasp is a worker rather than a Queen

[Jason Green]

Ah, thanks Stuart - I just thought the red was only on Queens (though was confused by the three markings, \as opposed to the usual two).