> I saw a big fly looking insect entering wasp nest a few times today (E. Europe). Any ideas on what it is?

I saw a big fly looking insect entering wasp nest a few times today (E. Europe). Any ideas on what it is?

Posted at: 2014-11-15 
Well yes, Mallophora are also known as "bee killers", and "robber fly". Don't know about seeing them in E. Europe.

It first landed around 0.5m away from nest's entrance and sat there for a few seconds. It flew a bit closer and waited a similar amount of time. It was gradually getting closer until it finally landed within few inches of the nest's entrance. It entered the nest and reappeared a few seconds later. It entered the nest a couple more times, finally leaving altogether.

It looked like a very big fly (Mallophora perhaps?). Unfotunately I didnt have a camera with me...

It was dark in colour with a bit of white fur at the back end.

Any ideas?