Bees and wasps may receive bad press and cause unnecessary concern to many, especially as some of the species of Iberia can be rather large. The impressive blue winged Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa violacea) is not aggressive and will avoid contact with humans where possible. Hornets (Vespa crabro), once common throughout Europe, are suffering decline due to the misconception that such a large wasp type creature would have a very dangerous sting. The fact is, they are no worse than a normal wasp sting, will again avoid human closeness and they have a fascinating life cycle.

We must not forget that this group are important pollinators of our crops. Also some wasps feed on caterpillars that may otherwise be a garden pest and flies do a necessary job of clearing up decaying matter. Altogether they aid the biodiversity that is delicately balanced to a level beyond our perception.