(note the pale facial hairs and long antennae)
These will visit flowers for nectar and also investigate places like wall cavities and post holes, any potential nest sites from where the females may emerge over the next couple of weeks. This is all about mating opportunities: the males are competitive and will aerially try to jostle each other out of the way. The females mate only once; the males then have few and briefest chances to pass on their genes to the next generation. They wear themselves out in this pursuit and might be expected to live 3-4 weeks. During this time they will pounce on any male bee rival suitors, or female bee potential mates, or any insect which looks a bit like either!
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| First emergence nibbling a way out. It reminds me a bit of Clint Eastwood Escaping from Alcatraz |
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