Flies like a hoverfly, Acts like a bee

[exo]

I suspect this is an instantly recognisable species to the experts on this forum,
but I wasn't sure exactly how to search for an ID, any help appreciated.

Looks like a large honey bee, several were foraging on the Teucrium along with many honey bees.

Yellow spots down each edge of the upper surface of body.

Flew very much like a hoverfly, but apart from that acted much like the bees,
but I assume it's a bee from the antennae shape.

Oddly these were definately bovvering the honey bees, sometimes grabbing them and sort of
flinging them out out of the way, in fact I got hit in the face by a spiralling couple.

Is this behaviour just territorial or protection of food source, or something else?

:


Fuzzy Honey Bee shot at same camera settings just for size comparison

[shenk1]

Looks like a Leafcutter Bee (Megachile centuncularis)

Good to have.

[exo]

Hmmm, maybe - I have no direct experience of leaf cutters (loadssss with mason bees)

Feels too big for a leaf-cutter looking at www pages, also the bright
yellow spots on each side of the body don't seem to be in leaf cutters (?)

[Hedera]

I agree it is a M. centuncularis. The yellow is pollen it carries under its body as they have no pollen baskets like honeybees. They are large - and a bit prone to chase off other bees. Fascinating to study, one of my favourites!

[eucera]

Bee 1 is Anthidium manicatum rather than a Megachile. Check out the yellow cuticular spots on the side of the abdomen

[exo]

That seems like it - these are Wool Carder bees then ,
I think the pictures are all of the same species.

Great, never noticed them before, definitely a bit aggressive though.