All about Insects 2020

Nice photos, Mike. I think the abdomen is too hairy and colourful for a Honey Bee. It might be a Red Mason Bee.

These are some little critters I've seen recently starting with this Bumblebee. It's one of the Cuckoo Bumblebees, possibly a Southern Cuckoo Bumblebee

One of the Drone Flies

An Early Mining Bee

Another Mining Bee, possibly the Chocolate Mining Bee

One of the same family as Grasshoppers but smaller - the Slender Groundhopper

And finally, a Dagger Fly

Not much of a coincidence that they are nearly all photographed on Hawthorn.

Fabulous additions Nige, super detail.

Phenomenal shots all!

Fabulous photos Nige.

I really do struggle to id bees and wasps, they all too often look so similar, so I'm more than grateful for the guidance. 

Hi all,
I've had a little bit of rainwater in my new pond and had a surprise today when I heard a splashing behind me and there was a blackbird and sparrow taking a bath! Superb.
My first insects in the pond are curious little creatures. They look like almost microscopic worms and thrash around but travel sideways in a wiggling motion!
I don't think I'll be able to get a photo as they are so tiny - grateful if anyone has any idea what they might be?
Best wishes
Russ

Are they red Russ? Midge larvae aka bloodworms move in an 'S' shaped fashion!

The erysimum was host to some bees yesterday, which gave a god photo opportunity to me, as well as a feeding opportunity for the bees.

Even a clear pic of the proboscis digging in deep!

And flying with the proboscis still extended...

What glorious colour Mike, lovely to see the busy bees too.

You certainly don't want for colour in those shots and great detail on the bees too. You've got Common Carders if you were wondering.

I knew there was a flower I wanted to get!!! Lovely Mike, when I can get out I will acquire some of those, the flowers I mean and hope the bees arrive.