Identify It > Invertebrate Section > Flies Section > Belted Hoverflies >
Scientific name: Volucella zonaria
Size: Wingspan approx 45mm
Distribution: Found mainly in the southern parts of England and Wales
Months seen: May to October
Habitat: Gardens and parks with plenty of flowers
Food: Nectar. The larvae feed on various grasses including Cock's-foot
Special features: The Belted Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria) is a large hoverfly, with a chestnut brown coloured thorax, and a yellow abdomen with two broad black stripes (belts).
Although it bears a striking similarity to a hornet this is purely a defence mechanism. Belted Hoverflies are harmless insects with no stinging organ, but the hornet disguise works to frighten potential predators away.
The larvae live and develop inside the nests of common wasps.
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