Fly ID please?

[mrbadexample]

Hello all.

Firstly, sorry for the lousy in-flight photos. This fella was lurking suspiciously around my parsnip seedlings. He definitely looked guilty of something. Who is he please?





Thanks,
MBE

[Jason Green]

Morning MBE,

He's a Cuckoo-bee, of the Nomada genus. He'll be guilty of seeking-out your nesting Mining-bees!

Take care,

Jason

[mrbadexample]

Thanks Jason.

I just knew he looked guilty! As it happens, there was a small bee in the same area, checking out some holes in the turf I lifted a few weeks ago.

So it is an actual bee then, not a fly? Can it sting? (Not that I'm bothered - bees don't trouble me, and I don't trouble them. It's a deal we have going. )

Cheers,
MBE

[Jason Green]

No, still a bee! Two pairs of wings as opposed to one - but you won't necessarily get the chance to appreciate that photographically. The females have stings, but I doubt they'd hurt/try it on us, anyway.

[mrbadexample]

Nice one. Much appreciated, as always.