Volucella bombylans
This record describes Volucella bombylans (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This hoverfly is an excellent mimic of a bumblebee and is found throughout most of the UK. There are two main varieties which mimic different species of bumblebee, one with an orange-red tail ( V . bombylans ) and the other with a white tail ( V. plumata ). Its large size, distinctive pattern and plumed antennae make it relatively easy to identify. Hedgerows, woodland margins and urban wasteland. It can be found from May until September, peaking in June. The female lays its eggs in the nests of bumblebees and wasps where the larvae feed on debris and occasionally the bee larvae.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows, woodland margins and urban wasteland.
Seasonal Activity
It can be found from May until September, peaking in June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The female lays its eggs in the nests of bumblebees and wasps where the larvae feed on debris and occasionally the bee larvae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Volucella bombylans. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Volucella bombylans (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Volucella bombylans
What is Volucella bombylans?
Volucella bombylans is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Volucella bombylans found?
Habitat: Hedgerows, woodland margins and urban wasteland.
When is Volucella bombylans active?
Volucella bombylans: seasonal activity - It can be found from May until September, peaking in June..
What is the life cycle of a Volucella bombylans?
The female lays its eggs in the nests of bumblebees and wasps where the larvae feed on debris and occasionally the bee larvae.