Bee aware that Eristalis pertinax is not a bee, it’s a hoverfly – also known as a drone-fly.
Sunrise 05.18 am Sunset: 08.54 pm
Eristalis pertinax is a European hoverfly. Like Eristalis tenax, the larva of E. pertinax is a rat-tailed maggot and lives in drainage ditches, pools around manure piles, sewage, and similar places containing water badly polluted with organic matter.
Oh I wish I’d had your macro kit when I was photographing my nymph! Stunning.
Your nymph images are very good, Lucy.
I have seen and photographed one of these last year I think.