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.
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Taken on Thursday August 3, 2023
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Posted on Friday August 4, 2023
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30 comments
Ulrich John said:
Keith Burton replied to Ulrich John:
Jaap van 't Veen said:
Keith Burton replied to Jaap van 't Veen:
Eunice Perkins said:
Keith Burton replied to Eunice Perkins:
Diana Australis said:
Have a cracker weekend
Keith Burton replied to Diana Australis:
Rosalyn Hilborne said:
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.
Keith Burton replied to Rosalyn Hilborne:
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.
Jean-louis Thiaudier… said:
Agréable Week end.
Keith Burton replied to Jean-louis Thiaudier…:
Günter Klaus said:
Wünsche noch einen schönen Nachmittag,ganz liebe Grüße Güni :))
Keith Burton replied to Günter Klaus:
Thank you for your kind and generous comments.
Marije Aguillo said: