Volucella zonaria (Poda, 1761) wing length 15.5 to 19.5 mm
Family: Syrphidae. Tribe: Volucellini.
Flight Season May to November
The largest British hoverfly and one of the most spectacular, a very good Hornet mimic.
Zonaria has been very successful in expanding its range from the south of England in the early 1930s and then became established throughout London in the 1940s.
Since 1995, it has now become widespread and common in the southern regions of England and is now expanding its range further north into the midlands.
Larvae have been found in social wasp (German and Common wasp predominantly) nests built in tree cavities, Hornet nests are also an attractive place for the female to lay her eggs amongst the debris in the bottom of the nest cavity.
Below you will see images of the male (top of eyes being closer together) and the female Volucella zonaria, on Thistle flowers as well as Buddleia; being a garden favourite of theirs.