There used to be a bumble bee that, I was convinced, would come around to play with my dog, a Labrador. It was entertaining to watch. When the dog was outside the bumble bee would hover near his face to get his attention. Once he noticed the bee he would growl, jump, and bite at the bee but not in an aggressive manor. It was in his playful tone, the same as when I played with him and his toys. Every time he lunged at the bee it would dart back and always stay just out of reach. Then the bee would zoom in closer and they would repeat this for a few minutes until one of them would get distracted. As far as I know they never made direct contact. RIP good boy
At an old apartment there were some bumble bees that lived in my neighbour's fence (or at least that's what it seemed like) and every time I'd sit outside, they' come out and fly around all chill. Nothing aggressive ever, they'd just fly in front of me and sometimes I watched them and otherwise I'd just sit and work. I don't know what my point is anymore... bumble bees!
Yep. I hate all flying insects as they make me tense up like some fight or flight response... probably from being stung by hornets a billion times as a kid.
That said, I learned to tolerate the carpenter bees on my deck because they'd bonk all the wasps away.
Hover flies compete with other makes for the privilege of hovering in the 'best' spot over a bush or wherever. They'll fly at whoever invades their space and then return to hovering and defend it.
