A Bald Bumble Bee??

[Rheghead]

Yesterday I saw what seemed to me to be a bald bumble bee on the buddleia tree sucking nectar. It had a black shiny abdomen with a milky white middle section like a cross between a bee and and bluebottle if that makes any sense. Anyone know what it could have been? Thanks

[Rheghead]

I got some photos of my mystery insect. Obviously it isn't a bumble bee but a fly/bee hybrid type thing Any ideas thanks?

[spurtle]

I think this is the Pellucid Hoverfly, Latin name volucella pelluscens. Many of the hoverflies mimic bees, even down to their movement.
This may be an unusual find for here. Very attractive pics

[Rheghead]

Thank you very much Spurtle!! I've never seen one or heard of them before, I googled and it seems that similarity to a bumble bee is not a coincidence as its larvae live in bumble bee nests and feed on bee larvae. Looking like a bumble bee will be a survival adaptation I suppose?