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TranslateVolucella bombylans
Volucella bombylans (Linnaeus, 1758) wing length 8 mm to 14 mm
Flight Season…. May to September.
Unlike other Volucella species, this is a bumblebee mimic. Two common types: a black form with red-orange tail resembling Bombus lapidarius, and a black and yellow form which resembles B. lucorum. The third type resembling B. Pascuorum an entirely buff-coloured form is much scarcer.
A widespread and common species throughout Britain and Ireland, most types of flowers visited. Males are highly territorial especially sunlit areas of vegetation. Larvae have been found in the nests of the German wasp (Vespula germanica) and also the common wasp. (V. vulgaris) Bumblebees are also a major host for the female bombylans.
Below are images of the male Volucella bombylans.
Read MoreFlight Season…. May to September.
Unlike other Volucella species, this is a bumblebee mimic. Two common types: a black form with red-orange tail resembling Bombus lapidarius, and a black and yellow form which resembles B. lucorum. The third type resembling B. Pascuorum an entirely buff-coloured form is much scarcer.
A widespread and common species throughout Britain and Ireland, most types of flowers visited. Males are highly territorial especially sunlit areas of vegetation. Larvae have been found in the nests of the German wasp (Vespula germanica) and also the common wasp. (V. vulgaris) Bumblebees are also a major host for the female bombylans.
Below are images of the male Volucella bombylans.
