Posted by Staci S on July 26, 2008 at 16:13:51:
In Reply to: Giant Bee posted by Florinda on July 25, 2008 at 18:37:48:
There are different types of bees and then some close 'look-a-likes'. Since you are talking 'in ground' and 'solitary', that knocks honeybees out of the picture. The 'ground' part also knocks out carpenter bees (who prefer wood to make nests in). Bumble bees do nest in ground (in old mouse nests), but typically wouldn't be solitary by this time of year. Solitary bumble bees nesting in the ground are typical of mated queens getting ready to 'hibernate' through the winter.
Your '3 inch long' measurement rules out ANY bee I am aware of and, added to the above information, would incline me to think that what you are dealing with is not a bee.. at least, none I know of.