Loading

Hornet Mimic Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria) (+PiP)

Adults of the Hornet Mimic Hoverfly can reach 2 cm in length, and it is the largest hoverfly species in the UK.

The Hoverfly mimics the Hornet both in size and in appearance, and even makes a similar buzzing noise while flying, but it is absolutely harmless to humans.

Taken in my garden yesterday on one of my Buddleia bushes. Both images are cropped as I was using my 40-150mm zoom lens, so I wouldn't frighten it off.
Visible by: Everyone
(more information)

More information

Visible by: Everyone

All rights reserved

Report this photo as inappropriate

30 comments

Ulrich John said:

Another beautiful close-up, Keith !
14 months ago

Keith Burton replied to Ulrich John:

Thank you kind sir.
14 months ago

Jaap van 't Veen said:

Wonderful close-up Keith.
14 months ago ( translate )

Keith Burton replied to Jaap van 't Veen:

Many thanks Jaap.
14 months ago ( translate )

Eunice Perkins said:

One happy insect enjoying its find. Beautifully captured, Keith!
14 months ago

Keith Burton replied to Eunice Perkins:

Thank you very much Eunice.
14 months ago ( translate )

Diana Australis said:

You did well, Keith. A super capture indeed….stealth and a zoom can be most beneficial !
Have a cracker weekend
14 months ago ( translate )

Keith Burton replied to Diana Australis:

Thank you so much Diana.........I'm pleased you approve!
14 months ago

Rosalyn Hilborne said:

If the bad weather is keeping you home, you're sure making the most of it with beautiful pictures like these two Keith. The soft colour tones are gorgeous and even from a distance you have captured the insect with superb detail. The buddleia also looks beautiful.

My purple buddleia flowers are dying off very quickly. I don't know if it's because of the damp weather, but they are not attracting any insects or butterflies yet!

Wishing you a good weekend Keith.
14 months ago

Keith Burton replied to Rosalyn Hilborne:

I do my best between the showers Rosa........and I keep a camera handy by the door :-))

These huge hoverflies have been visiting my buddleia for a few years now, this year I've seen four at once! They're a bit late arriving this year, but didn't let me down. They're surprisingly easy to photograph as they move very slowly once they've landed and stay on the same flower for ages!

Glad you like this pair of photos..........and as always, thanks for your lovely comments.

Coincidentally, my purple buddleia have done the same as yours.....flowering for only a day or so and then turning brown. I suspect the wet weather too.
14 months ago

Jean-louis Thiaudier… said:

Superbes détails Keith!!!
Agréable Week end.
14 months ago ( translate )

Keith Burton replied to Jean-louis Thiaudier…:

Glad you like them Jean-louis...........thanks very much............and have a pleasant weekend yourself.
14 months ago

Günter Klaus said:

Aber sie hat sich auch die schönste Blüte für den Fotografen ausgesucht,dass sie sich so schön auch abhebt lieber Keith und du hast sie in beiden Aufnahmen perfekt mit den Details aufgenommen,es sind beide Varianten interessant und schön,toll hast du den Fokus gesetzt immer :))

Wünsche noch einen schönen Nachmittag,ganz liebe Grüße Güni :))
14 months ago ( translate )

Keith Burton replied to Günter Klaus:

I'm really please that you like my photos of this huge hoverfly Güni............they have been visiting my garden for a few years now.........although they were late to arrive this year.

Thank you for your kind and generous comments.
14 months ago

Marije Aguillo said:

Excelente y bello macro.
14 months ago ( translate )