Volucella zonaria
This record describes Volucella zonaria (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a hornet mimic and is one of our largest and most spectacular hoverflies which can be recognised by its yellow and black banded abdomen. It is chestnut on tergite 2 and also on the scutellum and much of the thorasic dorsum. The only similar species is V. inanis which lacks the chestnut areas and which has sternite 2 yellow rather than black. It seems to be found most frequently in urban areas and even in cities. Adults visit flowers. The larvae have been found in wasps nests. This species became established in Britain in the 1940s and until recently it had very much a southerly distribution with most records coming from south of a line from the Severn Estuary to The Wash, however it seems to be expanding its range and is now quite frequently recorded further north.
Wikipedia reference for Volucella zonaria: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volucella_zonaria.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It seems to be found most frequently in urban areas and even in cities.
Seasonal Activity
May to November peaking in August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults visit flowers. The larvae have been found in wasps nests.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species became established in Britain in the 1940s and until recently it had very much a southerly distribution with most records coming from south of a line from the Severn Estuary to The Wash, however it seems to be expanding its range and is now quite frequently recorded further north.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Volucella zonaria. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volucella zonaria
What is Volucella zonaria?
Volucella zonaria is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Volucella zonaria found?
Habitat: It seems to be found most frequently in urban areas and even in cities.
When is Volucella zonaria active?
Volucella zonaria: seasonal activity - May to November peaking in August..
What is the life cycle of a Volucella zonaria?
Adults visit flowers. The larvae have been found in wasps nests.