The common name – cuckoo bee – is used for a species of bee that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees. Known as kleptoparasites, these bee larvae kill the host larvae and feed on the pollen and nectar provided by the host bee.

They do not take shelter in a hive or nest, but use their mandibles to lock onto a sturdy plant - usually upside-down - and settle for the night. This particular bee was photographed early in the morning before he had time to warm up and fly off.

Highly Commended - Wildlife in the Garden