Identification required please

[kendo]

Took these shots in the Community Gardens in Taormina.

I have no idea what the black insect is in the first 4 but I have never seen a fly collecting pollen. My 58mm lenscap is included next to one of the flower heads for scale.

1

2

3

4

5 (Lenscap)

6 One seriously dangerous looking beastie

 

[RobertP]

I'd guess it is some variety of bee. Like the metallic looking wings. last one will also have to wait for the bug experts. Some kind of wasp?

 

[silkstone]

I *think* it's a European dark bee (Apis mellifera mellifera).

But all bees are wonderful.

 

[Flunter]

Hope it's ok to link to another forum (not a photography forum) but have a look here http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/forums/.
I have used them many times, they really are the bees knees

 

[antihero]

i'd love to know what that red thing is...can't find it!