Bees Or Wasps?

[tucan]

lately in my garden, there are these insects flying around that seem to be collecting nectar from all the flowers in my garden. at first i thought they were wasps but as they seem to be sucking on the nectar, which i didn't think they do that. i know they are not bumblebees as there was one with them and she was about 3x the size of these insects. but they don't look like honey bees either as they were quite small in size and they don't seem to have the "saddle" of pollen on their legs. does anyone know what i'm taking about? i'll try and get some pics

 

[loraxchick]

there are species of flies that mimic wasps and bees. they do not sting. have a google of them and see if that is what you are seeing. most likely
cheers!

 

[Truck]

a hornet maybe?

 

[GGriffin]

They are most likely hoverflys which mimic the pattern of wasps.

 

[tucan]

They are most likely hoverflys which mimic the pattern of wasps.

yes. that is it. good to know that they are pollinators too. thank you