Identification of a fly, bee or wasp

[timmypreston]

Hi,

My first post and I am asking for help, sorry.

I have recently got into photographing insects and finding out what they are is extremely difficult.

Can anyone help?

I expect my neighbours sometimes wonder why I seem so intent on staring at the Budlia tree in our garden.

Followed this chap around for about 5 minutes before he disappeared into the depths of the tree.

Thanks
Tim

[laetoli]

Originally Posted by timmypreston

My first post and I am asking for help, sorry.

Welcome! Don't worry - that's all I do and no one's told me off yet. Lovely pictures of a beautiful beast. Someone else will tell you what it is.
Best wishes,
Paul

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Timmy, and welcome to WAB!

It's a Sawfly, I think from the Tenthredo genus. There are some straight-forward species out there - and others that need putting under the microscope. Some even need dissecting.

There are about 500 sawflies in the UK, so-named due to the way the female uses her saw-like ovipositor (egg-laying tube) to drill-in to plants to lay eggs.

Take care,

Jason

[timmypreston]

Thank you Jason for that information and the warm welcome also.

Could it be the following:
Figwort Sawfly Tenthredo scrophulariae

Looks very similar when browsing images of the names you gave me.

Thanks Again
Tim

[Jason Green]

Could well be - but I'd rather not go to species-level without the backing of an expert. There are a few out there that can look similar.

[timmypreston]

OK,

Thanks for your help.

[oxycera]

I think you're ok with scrophulariae.