immac

As I was being pestered by a large insect yesterday, my Turkish friend warned me not to swat it or move quickly. He told me that it was called a "Donkey-Bee" and had such a sting that hospital treatment was called for. He said they were OK if left alone but any attempt to swat it and it would come back very aggressively.

It was probably 40mm long and dark orange/yellow, but not like a British wasp. Wasps were also in attendance for comparison and were half the size of this monster.

It is unlike any bee I have seen.

I have tried to find something about it on the Internet without luck.

I did find it featured in a Turkish curse "Dilini esek arisi soksun." (I wish donkey bee bite your tongue).

Does anyone know what it is and a site that will give me information?

While we are at it, any info on any insects we might encounter (and risk)might be useful if there are such sites specific to this part of the world.

Ian

CJD

Do you mean the v large brown and yellow one's??

Also while we're in identify mode anyone know what
this snake is??

Carol

immac

Yes, VERY LARGE!

Ian

Gail

I'm almost sure it was one of these beggars that had made a mud nest at the top of my kitchen curtain, it made me feel sick. I took the curtain down, took it outside and smashed the nest and there was loads of dead spiders in it, I then went and checked the other curtain and there was one there as well. Honestly I felt sick to the bottom of my stomach. I didn't put the curtains back up, I washed them and put them away!

I hope it never happens again It was horrible.

I will hunt the internet tonight and see if I can find anything out for you Immac.

merlin

Carol - if you are having a problem posting the picture - email me it and I will post it for you

Merv!

canim

I've seen these Bee's as well .. ive been searching the internet all day & can't find anything!!

I first experienced them in North Carolina ... i have never seen a bee that size before .. was like a small bird!! needless to say i got out of the area pretty sharpish!

Would love to know what they are really called??

My grandparents (who live in NC) said they were 'just' bees!!

Gail

http://www.basecamp.cnchost.com/bees.htm

Can't find anything on Donkey Bees. I reckon it was no. 6 who decided to set up home in my curtain.

CJD

Hi I think ive attached the snake this time!!

Attached Images

snake6.jpg (30.1 KB, 53 views)

murdo

err....snake is decapitated???? Honestly, best to not approach them. Most will retreat. Looks like a harmless collubrid but I am not an expert