A new one on me when I first saw it a month ago, this is one of the most colourful insects I've ever seen. it looks like it belongs in the tropics rather than the U.K. and indeed they mainly fly in the hottest and driest months of the summer and really prefer a Mediterranean or Sub-Tropical climate.
Since seeing it I've researched and found that it parasitises both the Mason and Leaf Cutter Bees, both of which are solitary bees that make their nests in holes created by wood-boring beetles or alternatively in hollow reeds. The Mason Bee creates cells using mud and the Leaf Cutter makes paper maché from the leaves it cuts. The Cuckoo wasp lays its eggs in the host's nest and its larvae consume first the larvae of the host and then the food supplies laid down by the host for its young. I have never heard of the hosts taking action against the parasite but in filming I came across the event that I managed to film. I've taken liberties with the sound track to help dramatise the scene but if it offends please mute the track. Thanks.
Yet another great piece of film John.
In reply to David Brooks:
That is brilliant John really well caught
My Flickr photos
In reply to Alan:
What a fascinating series of clip John, never seen anything like it before, loved the audio too !!
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Regards, Hazel
In reply to HAZY:
That was amazing to watch John. Thanks for posting it.
Kind regards
Jenny
In reply to nairnred:
That was fascinating John, to have caught the bee removing the larvae as well. Thank you.
In reply to jenksnpt:
Thanks everybody, really glad you liked it. It's certainly one to watch out for but it is tiny and easy to miss; the cell structure of the wood is an indication of the magnification.
Thanks for the comment on the audio Hazel - great to have reassurance!