The hornet mimic hoverfly is a fascinating insect that bears a striking resemblance to wasps and bees. This clever mimicry provides them with a form of protection from predators. Despite their appearance, hoverflies are harmless, as they do not bite or sting. They belong to the family Syrphidae, with many species exhibiting this intriguing adaptation.
In gardens, hoverflies play a crucial role as beneficial insects. Adult hoverflies are attracted to nectar-filled flowers, while their larvae act as voracious predators of aphids, helping to keep their populations under control. Due to their ecological importance and captivating appearance, understanding the hornet mimic hoverfly can be a valuable addition to your knowledge of the natural world.
When observing hoverflies, it’s essential to recognize their distinguishing characteristics. They can be differentiated from wasps and bees by their single pair of wings, compared to the two pairs found in their look-a-likes. Moreover, hoverflies often exhibit a unique hovering flight pattern, which can be a reliable indicator of their true identity.
Hornet Mimic Hoverfly: Overview
Volucella Zonaria
The Hornet Mimic Hoverfly, scientifically known as Volucella zonaria, is a species of hoverfly that shares a striking resemblance to the European Hornet (Vespa crabro). This species can be commonly found in urban areas and gardens across southern England, including cities like London, Bournemouth, and Reading1. Although it is generally considered rare, recent sightings indicate an increase in their population, which could be attributed to climate change2.
Appearance and Identifying Features
- Large eyes
- Banded abdomen with black, yellow, or orange stripes
- One pair of wings
- Short antennae
These features help distinguish the Hornet Mimic Hoverfly from its lookalike, the European Hornet.
Size and Distribution
Comparison Table
| Feature | Hornet Mimic Hoverfly | European Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 15-20mm | 18-25mm |
| Kingdom: Animalia | Arthropoda | Arthropoda |
| Class: Insecta | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family: Syrphidae | Diptera | Vespidae |
The Volucella zonaria is one of the largest hoverfly species in Great Britain, measuring between 15-20mm. Its distribution is mostly limited to the south of the UK, but due to climate change and the availability of food resources in urban areas, their range is expanding northwards3.
As part of the Syrphidae family, these flies play a beneficial role in the environment by pollinating flowers and providing natural pest control for aphids4. Moreover, these harmless mimics do not possess stinging capabilities, making them safe to observe in nature and urban areas alike.
Life Cycle and Behavior
Mating and Larvae Development
- Mating: Hoverflies typically mate in the spring and summer months (May to October).
Adult hoverflies perform courtship behaviors to find a suitable mate1. After mating, female hoverflies lay their eggs on plants with abundant aphid populations. - Larvae Development: Larvae emerge from the eggs after a few days. They are voracious predators, feeding on soft-bodied insects like aphids2. The larvae develop rapidly, going through several instars before pupating. The adult hoverflies emerge after pupation, ready to begin the cycle again.
Pollination and Food Sources
- Pollination: Hoverflies play a significant role as pollinators, visiting various flowers for nectar and pollen3. While not as efficient as bees, hoverflies contribute to pollination by transferring pollen between flowers as they feed.
- Food Sources: Adult hoverflies primarily feed on nectar from flowers, while larvae feed on soft-bodied insects like aphids.
Migration Patterns
- Migratory Behavior: Some hoverfly species have migratory behaviors, following seasonal fluctuations in temperature and food availability4. These migrations can cover large distances, even crossing continents.
- Movement Timing: Hoverflies typically emerge in the spring and become more active as temperatures rise. They are most commonly seen from May to October5.
Comparison Table: Hoverflies vs Social Wasps
| Feature | Hoverflies (Hornet Mimic) | Social Wasps (e.g., Vespa velutina) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Resemble hornets; black and yellow striped body, harmless6 | Smaller than hornets; black and yellow striped body, can sting |
| Pollination | Act as pollinators, visiting flowers for nectar and pollen7 | Not significant pollinators, but serve in the ecosystem as predators |
| Food Sources | Adults feed on nectar; larvae prey on aphids8 | Feed on other insects, fruits, human food sources |
| Social Behavior | Solitary; do not form colonies9 | Form nests and colonies, aggressive when threatened10 |
Interactions with Other Species and the Environment
Predators and Protection
The hornet mimic hoverfly has evolved various survival techniques to protect itself from predators like birds. Some traits include:
- Imitating the appearance of a hornet
- Emitting a buzzing flight sound
These features can intimidate or confuse predators, making the hoverfly less attractive as prey. For example, its resemblance to a stinging hornet deters birds from attacking.
Potential Threats and Climate Change Impacts
Hornet mimic hoverflies face various threats:
- Habitat loss due to human activities
- Pesticide exposure affecting their populations
Additionally, climate change impacts the environment and can indirectly affect hoverfly populations. Warmer temperatures may lead to:
- Changes in insect migration patterns (source)
- Shifts in the floral resources they rely on for survival
Comparison of Hornet Mimic Hoverfly Threats
| Threat | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Habitat loss | Reduced availability of shelter and resources, impacting their populations |
| Pesticide use | Direct harm during larval and adult stages, reducing their numbers |
| Climate change | Altered patterns of migration and floral resources, affecting their survival |
Careful protection of their habitats and responsible use of pesticides are crucial for preserving hornet mimic hoverfly populations and ensuring they continue to play a vital role in pollinating plants and controlling pests.
Identification Guide and Resources
Visual Identification Tips
To identify a hornet mimic hoverfly, pay close attention to the following characteristics:
- Size: Hoverflies are generally smaller than hornets.
- Wings: Hoverflies have one pair of wings, while hornets have two pairs.
- Eyes: Hoverflies have large eyes, covering most of their head.
- Color: Hoverflies often mimic hornet’s color patterns, like black and yellow or brown and orange.
Use these visual tips to differentiate between a hornet mimic hoverfly and a European or Asian hornet:
| Feature | Hornet Mimic Hoverfly | European / Asian Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Wings | One pair of wings | Two pairs of wings |
| Eyes | Large eyes, covering most of the head | Smaller eyes, relative to the head size |
| Color | Mimics hornet’s color patterns (black and yellow or brown and orange) | Black and yellow (European); black and orange (Asian) |
Online and In-Person Resources
To help with your identification process, consider using these resources:
- iNaturalist: A community-driven platform where you can upload photos of insects and get identification help from experts and other users.
- OSU Extension Service: Offers resources for insect identification and a professional examination of your samples.
- Syrphid flies – UMN Extension: Provides information on syrphid flies, which includes hoverflies.
- In-person assistance: Contact your local university or research center with an entomology department for help with identification.
Remember to report any rare sightings of hornet mimic hoverflies in Great Britain to contribute to scientific research and monitoring efforts.
Footnotes
- https://www.nature.com/articles/93854 ↩ ↩2
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16777900 ↩ ↩2
- https://www.naturalworldheritage.org/biodiversity/species/sp-hornet-hoverfly ↩ ↩2
- https://entomology.ces.ncsu.edu/biological-control-information-center/beneficial-predators/hover-fly/ ↩ ↩2
- May to October ↩
- Harmless ↩
- Pollination ↩
- Food Sources ↩
- Solitary ↩
- Social Wasps ↩
6 Comments. Leave new
Hi all,
identified a Hornet Mimic Fly today, thanks to your site as my insect book didn’t show it. Location was my garden in Poole, Dorset.
Great site! Love it
Hi all,
identified a Hornet Mimic Fly today, thanks to your site as my insect book didn’t show it. Location was my garden in Poole, Dorset.
Great site! Love it
Found a Hornet Mimic Fly in my conservatory around noon today – 19th August 2021. Persuaded not to dispose of it so slid it into a yogurt pot and let it go. Not seen one before, Very distinctive yellow plate on its face.
PS Seen in Frome Somerset.
“Spotted this apparently resting on the ground and wondering what it is.” Who knew that flies experience moments of existential doubt?
Just seen what appears to be a Hornet Mimic hover fly pushing it’s way into a wasp nest in the wall of my house. It was at least three times the size of the wasps (which ignored it for the five minutes it spent trying to get in). My only doubt about identification is that this is in Sale, Greater Manchester when website distribution says it is found mainly in the south up to Leicestershire.