This bug may look intimidating, but it's harmless. It's a hornet-mimic hoverfly (Volucella zonaria), which as its name suggests, makes a career out of looking like a scary hornet. Supposedly that helps keep away predators. It's the biggest hoverfly species in the UK.
Here it is next to another, much smaller type of hoverfly. I've seen this hornet-mimic hoverfly in the garden for several days now, usually around this dusty miller plant (Senecio), but I didn't have my camera handy until yesterday.
I promise I won't turn this blog into daily updates about Olga, but she seemed to have a better day yesterday. We have not scheduled another vet appointment. We got some medication from our vet visit earlier this week that's supposed to help blood flow to her brain, which might help her balance -- so we'll try that first. Despite my desire for more specific diagnostics, I don't want Olga to spend her last days or weeks going back and forth to the vet, if we can help it.
I think we've entered a phase when she's going to have good days and bad days, and that's just how it is.
She spent most of yesterday snoozing in the garden...
...with me either beside her on a blanket or sitting on that bench in the background. I've been reading more of "The Man with the Golden Arm" and it's growing on me. I'm about 160 pages in -- basically halfway through. I have developed an attachment to the characters, which helps, because this is a very character-driven book, as opposed to plot-driven. The more I read it, the more I focus on the people and their motivations instead of the card games and boozing.
Sweet Olga. We’d be doing just what you’re doing.
ReplyDeleteWe all need to know Olga is doing OK, it's a worry every pet owner has, and I think you are doing great at balancing her needs without too much prodding.
ReplyDeleteI think that you are right not to be trekking Olga to the vet too much. She looks very comfortable on her bed in the dappled shade. You will know when she needs extra " help".
ReplyDeleteSo long as Olga is comfortable and happy, that's all that matters.
ReplyDeleteI would have been afraid to get close to that faux hornet ... just in case!
The bench in your garden is at hell of an angle. I never realised that your garden sloped so much as it clearly does. Obviously, in the past, you have used trick photography to suggest that your garden is flat. I suspect that you learnt how to do that at The Royal Photographic Society. Let's hope sleeping Olga does not slide down into the bushes.
ReplyDeleteit's amazing how a story can slowly shift your focus until the characters feel almost real.
ReplyDeleteI like books better when I can form an attachment with the characters. Olga looks peaceful.
ReplyDeleteHoverflies are amazing beasts. I'm seeing a lot in our garden at present.
ReplyDeleteUpdates on Olga are essential and help you to track her progress.