Lesser Hornet Hoverfly

Volucella inanis

Description

Wing length 12 - 14mm. Smaller than but similar to Volucella zonaria. V. inanis lacks the other specie's chestnut on the first segment and scutellum, showing three yellow segments. The thorax has a large, broken edged patch of black on it whereas, on V. zonaria, the thorax is chestnut. It also has less black underneath than the larger fly.

Habitat

Woodland edge, hedgerows and gardens. The larvae develop in wasp nests, feeding on detritus and wasp grubs.

Status and distribution

A southern species that is rapidly spreading northwards but is also contracting eastwards. Common on the reserve, favouring shaded areas with umbellifers.

Best time to see

June to September.

  • Lesser Hornet Hoverfly - Volucella inanis - female - September 20th 2013

  • Lesser Hornet Hoverfly - Volucella inanis - female - August 7th 2013

  • Lesser Hornet Hoverfly - Volucella inanis - female - September 20th 2013

  • Lesser Hornet Hoverfly - Volucella inanis - female - August 13th 2013

  • Lesser Hornet Hoverfly - Volucella inanis - female - August 13th 2013

  • Lesser Hornet Hoverfly - Volucella inanis - female - August 2nd 2020

  • Lesser Hornet Hoverfly - Volucella inanis - female - August 6th 2023

  • Lesser Hornet Hoverfly - Volucella inanis - male - August 12th 2012

  • Lesser Hornet Hoverfly - Volucella inanis - male - August 12th 2012

  • Lesser Hornet Hoverfly - Volucella inanis - male - August 23rd 2014