Hornet Hoverfly vs Drone Fly
Volucella zonaria and Eristalis tenax
Comparison notes
Field marks and practical differences
The Hornet Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria) is Britain’s largest hoverfly, measuring up to 22mm, and often mistaken for a hornet due to its chestnut-brown and yellow striped body and amber abdomen. Key identification features include a single pair of wings, large eyes that meet at the top of the head, and short antennae typical of flies. It frequents gardens, parkland, and woodland edges, feeding mainly on nectar from umbellifers and brambles. Its larvae develop inside social wasp nests, a unique trait among hoverflies. In contrast, the Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) is smaller, 12-15mm long, and mimics a honeybee with its furry body and brown-orange stripes. It has one pair of wings and short antennae, with males having eyes that meet centrally. Found year-round across Britain, it favours gardens, hedgerows, and meadows. Larvae, known as rat-tailed maggots, develop in stagnant, nutrient-rich water. While both species are harmless nectar feeders, their distinct habitats and larval stages help differentiate them in the field.
Size stats
Compare species by wingspan and weight
- Body length
- 2 - 2.5 cm
- Weight
- No measurement yet
- Body length
- 1.2 - 1.8 cm
- Weight
- 0.05 - 0.1 g
Habitats
Where they live
Diet breakdown
What they eat
- Nectar & pollen70%
- Insects30%
- Nectar & pollen80%
- Other Invertebrates20%
Species notes
Descriptions and photographer notes
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.
Drone Fly
The Drone Fly closely resembles a honeybee, but it is actually a fly. It has only one pair of wings and short antennae, which reveal its true nature. Adult flies are 12 to 15 millimetres long and have a furry body with brown and orange stripes on the middle and rear sections. Unlike other similar species, this one has dark bands on its hind legs and usually looks more like a bee. Male flies have eyes that meet in the middle, while females have eyes that remain apart. This species is common and found all year round across Britain and Ireland. It lives in gardens, hedgerows, and meadows full of flowers. The adult flies feed on nectar and pollen from many types of flowers, especially those with umbrella-shaped groups or daisy-like heads. The larvae, called rat-tailed maggots, grow in still water that is rich in organic material. They can be found in places such as farmyard pools, drains, and compost heaps. This breeding habit is different from other flies in the same group.