Edit, July 8:
Did I fool anyone? This isn't a wasp, a yellow jacket or a hornet. This is Milesia virginiensis, which goes by 2 common names, Virginia Flower Fly or Yellow Jacket Hover-fly.
This critter won't sting you - it is a nectar-feeding insect that mimics the yellow jacket. It is a beneficial pollinator throughout eastern North America.
The Virginia Flower Fly is also called the "good news bee." Appalachian folklore holds that if one hovers around your head buzzing you, it is giving you the news. Having one perch on your finger is supposed to be good luck.
One more bit of trivia: Milesia virginiensis' image was used on the 33 cent US postage stamp in 1999.
6 comments:
I think that's a yellow-jacket hoverfly !
I'm going with a stripey-black-and-yellow-stinger-thing.
AAAAGGGH!! I'm allergic! AAAGGHGHH!
*running away*
Hi Kathi,
Appears to be one of the
hoverflies from the family
Syrphidae. Totally harmless,
not going to sting anyone.
Hap in New Hope
Jean and Hap are right (Also, my sister, who posted her comment on Facebook.)
Lynne and Delia, no worries. It only mimics a wasp or hornet, it doesn't sting.
~Kathi
The Flower Fly is new to me and very cool !
Also, your new header photo of the Canada Warbler "eye to eye" is fabulous. Nice work !
Sara
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