Hornet Hoverfly Volucella zonaria

The Hornet-mimic Volucella zonaria, called the Belted Hoverfly and Hornet Hoverfly, is the largest UK hoverfly. Its yellow and brown colours mimic hornets as eggs are laid in nests of hornets and social wasps. It is distinguished from the Volucella inanis Hoverfly by a brown rather than yellow first (technically 2nd) abdominal segment and thicker black lines.

Both Hornet and Lesser Hornet Hoverflies migrate from/to the European continent. Despite their hornet-like appearance, the hoverflies are totally harmless to humans, do not bite or sting and eat only nectar.

Females, above left and top, have a larger gap between the top of their eyes than males, above centre (nice face) and above left. Males of zonaria and inanis also appear to have a darker top of thorax.