They're big and they're back.

[DickyOZ]

For a couple of weeks at this time of year they appear and fuel up for the nuptials and than disappear for another year.








I don't think they have a sting, but I'm not game enough to find out. I keep them at the long end of a 40-150mm lens.

[bnnrcn]

Nice set Richard. Very nice light in #2. It is actually my fav with nice colors and composition

[billtils]

Great set Richard - I think I like the first one best, but I'd be happy to have any in my collection (any of the photographs that is, not the wasps )

[Wavelength]

Excellent shots; fine details

[Tronhard]

REALLY nice series... I am amazed you could get so close and not get the attention of the bees. How far away were you from the focal point?

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[FootLoose]

Nice set, Richard. They look like bees to me - which are around all the time?

[NorthernFocus]

That's a big bee. I'd not test the stinger either.

[DickyOZ]

Nice set, Richard. They look like bees to me - which are around all the time?

They look like a bee but they're not. They are about 30mm long. For comparison this is a bee:


This is a Sawfly.


For all their size and intimidating look they are very shy and it is quite hard to get close to them.

[FootLoose]

Gee! Thanks for enlightening me, Richard. I don't think I have ever seen a sawfly.