A Photographic Journey Through South Staffordshire and Elsewhere
Britain’s Largest Hoverfly The Hornet Hoverfly
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.
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!
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.
Interesting looking yellow helmet on this hoverfly. It almost looks like a real helmet.
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Wow, dear Pete, beautiful ๐
Nice Sunday
Didi
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Thank you dear, Didi ๐ I hope youa re enjoying your Sunday. Pete
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๐
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It feels like the summer of the hover fly this year ๐
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It sure does, Ed ๐
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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!
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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.
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Their bodies look like velvet! Superb macro Pete!
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Thank you, Jude ๐ They are quite a fly, and move pretty fast for their size.
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Spectacular! Huge and beautiful!
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Thank you, Michael ๐ It is quite something when you see them for the first time, and you think that is one heck of a big fly!
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Beautiful macro work Pete! Stunning images!!!
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Thank you very much, Beth ๐
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