Britain’s Largest Hoverfly The Hornet Hoverfly

Hornet Hoverfly Volucella zonaria

Measuring almost 2cm (almost 2 inches) long, this is our largest hoverfly. It is called Hornet Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria), and it was enjoying itself amid the blooms of my Buddleia.

Hornet Hoverfly Volucella zonaria

Hornet Hoverfly Volucella zonaria

July 2017, rear garden, Staffordshire, England.

14 thoughts on “Britain’s Largest Hoverfly The Hornet Hoverfly

  1. shoreacres

    You may have just helped me solve a mystery. For two years, there has been a single creature buzzing around my place that never leaves its “territory,” doesn’t seem to have any friends, isn’t aggressive, is large (about two inches) and seems to be a cross between a bee and a wasp. Now, I think it might be a big hoverfly of some sort, and as soon as I can get a photograph of it, I can see if the good folks at bug guide can help me ID it. It’s really an interesting creature — it just never seems to want to settle on anything. It just — hovers!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Pete Hillman

      Sounds like a hoverfly of sorts. They can be quite territorial. I usually find once I have spotted one in the garden it will hang around for days, even weeks, especially if it has a good nectar supply to feed on. I hope you get your pics.

      Like

Your thoughts ...

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.