Langstone, Hampshire Parting the ivy I discovered a buff-tailed bumblebee ensnared in an orb web

A frantic buzz emanated from behind the curtain of ivy covering the fence, rising in pitch like an accelerating Vespa scooter. Parting the glossy leaves I discovered a buff-tailed bumblebee ensnared in an orb web.

Researchers have discovered that bees generate a positive electrostatic charge as they fly. This helps pollen grains stick to their bodies as they forage, but has the unfortunate side effect of increasing the likelihood that they will be caught in a web. Spider silk tends to be neutral or negatively charged, which causes an attractive interaction between insect and web.

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Source: Guardian Environment