Insect

[ladylouise62]

I was actually taking a shot of the flowers, but when I looked at it I saw this furry thing. It looks like it should have wings, but I had 3 shots in a row and could see nothing that looked like even fast-moving wings.

[Chocky]

Might it be
The Greater Bee Fly (Bombylius major) ? Looks like a bumble bee, but she's not

[Catherine]

This pic was taken exactly 4 years ago this week (with a very old camera). It is a Bee Fly, and the same as your insect (as Beryl suggests).

I watched it fly 'Humming Bird style' around the Grape Hyacinth, its wings moving so fast I could hardly see them - though the whining noise it makes as it flies was heard. This is the time of year they are most visible, apparently seeking Violets, Primroses, and Aubretia also.

I'm not sure if its wings are beating so fast you can't see them, or if, like Ants, the males lose their wings after landing and mating.....

If you Google, you might get more info, Louise. Fascinating insect and good pic anyway!

[ladylouise62]

Cool, ta.
It's a funny looking thing. I actually had 3 shots and none had even a vague blur that could be vibrating wings... which is why I was a little confused. I looked it up (Bombylius major) and apparently, this sort lays eggs near the entrance to a solitary bee nest and then flicks it to the entrance so it can make it's way in and parisitise the nest. Ain't nature weird?