Great Pied Hoverfly

Volucella pellucens

Description

Wing length 10 - 15.5mm. A large, black and white hoverfly, with shades in its wings. On sunny days it may hover at about head height above a path, when the pale patches on its body can be seen to be translucent.

Habitat

Woodland edge and hedgerows. The larvae develop in the nests of wasps where they feed on detritus and the wasp grubs.

Status and distribution

Common and distributed throughout Britain. Common on the reserve.

Best time to see

May to October.

  • Great Pied Hoverfly - Volucella pellucens - female - June 26th 2015

  • Great Pied Hoverfly - Volucella pellucens - male - 15th June 2016

  • Great Pied Hoverfly - Volucella pellucens - male - June 19th 2021

  • Great Pied Hoverfly - Volucella pellucens - male - June 9th 2012

  • Great Pied Hoverfly - Volucella pellucens - female - August 26th 2012

  • Great Pied Hoverfly - Volucella pellucens - female - August 3rd 2013

  • Great Pied Hoverfly - Volucella pellucens - female - June 16th 2013

  • Great Pied Hoverfly - Volucella pellucens - female - June 29th 2019

  • Great Pied Hoverfly - Volucella pellucens - female - July 14th 2021

  • Great Pied Hoverfly - Volucella pellucens - female - August 4th 2024