Vespa may mean wasp in Italian but one scooter rider found themselves in a sticky situation as their bike was chosen as the perfect home for a swarm of bees in central London.
Thousands of bees descended on the scooter locked up outside the De Vere Holborn Bars and an ITV studio in Chancery Lane with the endangered insects believing it to be the perfect place for a new hive.
Tourists kept their distance from the swarm which could have been attracted to the warmth of the engine or may have followed their queen to the location on Sunday afternoon.
A woman can be heard saying: “They won’t be happy when they come back for the bike, blimey.”
Social media users were quick to make light of the unusual situation.
“That’s one way to stop your bike from getting nicked”, one joked on Facebook.
Another added: “He’s gonna bee absolutely buzzing to come back to that.”
Eyewitness Guinevere Quilty was walking past when she spotted the swarm.
She said: “The swarm lasted a few hours and they were gentle but people were keeping their distance as you can imagine.
“We didn’t see the driver of the bike but it was stationed there throughout the day. They probably still ain’t got a clue!”
She added: “It was amazing to see. I really hope the bees found a safe home.”
It is not known where the bees came from, but some shops in the area are believed to have their own hives.
Swarming is the reproduction of a honey bee colony, and it occurs when an existing colony subdivides into two colonies most commonly in the UK during sunny days in May, June and July.
Swarming is essential to the bees’ survival. If the hive becomes overcrowded, resources will be scarce and the colony’s health will begin to decline.
If you find your vehicle covered in bees the best advice is to stay well back and phone a local beekeeper or expert.
