Hornet Hoverfly

Britain's largest hoverfly, the Hornet Hoverfly, is an impressive insect that looks very similar to a hornet and can grow up to 22mm long. It can be told apart from real hornets because it has just one pair of wings, large eyes that meet at the top of its head, and short antennae typical of flies. Its body has bold chestnut-brown and yellow stripes, with a noticeable amber-coloured abdomen. Despite looking like a hornet, it is completely harmless. Originally found in southern Europe, the Hornet Hoverfly has spread northwards and is now common across southern England and Wales. It is also being seen more often further north. It prefers gardens, parkland, and the edges of woodlands, where it feeds on nectar from flowers such as umbellifers and brambles. The adults are active from May to November, with the highest numbers in late summer. The larvae grow inside the nests of social wasps, especially those of hornets and common wasps. They feed on debris and dead insects found in the nest. Female hoverflies are often seen hovering near the entrances of these nests before going inside to lay their eggs.