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Pellucid fly

Pellucid fly

Volucella pellucens

A species of Volucella, Also known as White-banded drone fly

The pellucid fly (Volucella pellucens) is mostly black, but it has a yellow band on its body which gives it an appearance similar to a bee. It is thought they may due to this to avoid some predators, but they are short a couple of wings to match them completely. Females lay their eggs inside of wasp nests. Their larva is known to eat debris in these nests.

General Info About Pellucid fly
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Attributes of Pellucid fly
Colors
Black
White
Habitat
woodland; hedgerow; garden
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers such as thistles, daisies, and umbellifers
Larva Food Source
Larvae of social wasps, debris, and decaying organic matter
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Pellucid fly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Pellucid fly is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Pellucid fly feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Pellucid fly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Species Status of Pellucid fly
It occurs in much of Europe, and across the Palearctic to Japan.
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Distribution Area of Pellucid fly
Europe, Palearctic, Japan
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Appearance of Pellucid fly
Volucella pellucens is about 1.3 - 1.7 cm in length, with a wing length about 1 - 1.6 cm. These hoverflies have a broad, mainly black body, but the front part of their abdomens have a broad, yellow band, giving them the appearance of a bee or wasp. Their two wings are transparent, as with most flies, but the leading edge is amber, with a brown patch on each wing.alearctic region.
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How to Identify Pellucid fly?

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Life Cycle of Pellucid fly
Egg The egg stage is the beginning of the pellucid fly's lifecycle, where the eggs are typically laid on a suitable substrate. Tiny and often oval, these eggs will soon hatch into larvae, showing very little resemblance to the adult pellucid fly.
Larva Larvae emerge from eggs and are worm-like in shape, lacking wings and legs. Pellucid fly at this stage exhibit significant growth as they molt several times and may change colors, often designed to camouflage or deter predators.
Pupal During the pupal stage, the pellucid fly undergoes transformation within a puparium. This stage showcases a metamorphosis where tissue rebuilding occurs. The creature will be immobile during this phase and may exhibit cryptic colors for protection.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult pellucid fly’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Pellucid fly
1.3 - 1.7 cm
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Predators of Pellucid fly Larvae
Birds, rodents, larger insects
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Predators of Adult Pellucid fly
Birds, rodents, frogs, spiders, predatory insects
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Interesting Facts About Pellucid fly
Pellucid fly larvae play a critical role in recycling by consuming decaying matter, thus acting as nature's little composters.
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Scientific Classification of Pellucid fly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Tips for Finding Pellucid fly
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Youth Habitat of Pellucid fly
Rotting and Decaying Matter, On and Within Other Organisms (_parasitic and symbiotic relationships)
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Adult Habitat of Pellucid fly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Pellucid fly
Flowers rich in nectar, such as lavenders, buddleias, or other native flowering plants, can be used to attract adult pellucid fly.
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Habitat Preferences of Pellucid fly Through Different Life Stages
The egg stage of pellucid fly is often found on organic debris within wasp or bee nests, as the larvae play a role in nest sanitation. For the larval stage, continue searching within the nests or in rotting wood where nests might be located. The pupae stage primarily occurs in the same habitats as larvae but may be deeper within the nest materials or slightly more concealed. To find an adult pellucid fly, look around flowers, particularly in gardens, meadows, or wooded edges, where they feed on nectar and are known for their mimicking likeness to bees or wasps.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Pellucid fly
The best time to find adult pellucid fly is on sunny days when temperatures are warm, as this is when they are most active in foraging for nectar.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Pellucid fly
Warm, sunny, and calm weather, without strong winds or rain, is ideal for finding pellucid fly as these conditions are favorable for their flight and feeding activities.
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How and Where Can You Find Pellucid fly at Different Life Stages
Larva Larvae of pellucid fly are often found in stagnant water or inside beehives where they live as scavengers or predators. Search for them in wet habitats or in empty bee nests.
Pupal Pupae of pellucid fly can be located attached to structures near larval food sources or resting on vegetation. Inspect the surroundings of wet habitats or beehives for pupating pellucid fly.
Adult Adult pellucid fly are easily spotted while they feed on flowers, hover in sunny spots, or rest on leaves. Search for them in gardens or areas with abundant flowering plants during favorable weather conditions.
Are Pellucid fly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Pellucid fly
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Pellucid fly is a beneficial pollinator, often seen hovering around flowers, attracted by their vivid colors and sweet scents. It feeds on pollen and nectar, inadvertently transferring pollen from one flower to another, aiding in plant reproduction. This species is known for its mimicry of bees, which may also play a role in its pollination effectiveness.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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