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Hornet mimic hover fly

Hornet mimic hover fly

Volucella zonaria

A species of Volucella

The hornet mimic hover fly (Volucella zonaria) is best known for its acting ability, as it resembles the European hornet. These yellow and black bands act as a defensive measure to ward-off would-be predators. Their eggs will also be found among hornet nests, where they have developed a communal relationship with the nests they inhabit.

General Info About Hornet mimic hover fly
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Attributes of Hornet mimic hover fly
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
meadow
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers like lavandula (lavender), buddleia (butterfly bush), cirsium (thistle), salvia (sage), and taraxacum (dandelion)
Larva Food Source
Decaying organic matter, feces of adult nest mates, larvae of other insects, nest debris, dead nest mates
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Hornet mimic hover fly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Hornet mimic hover 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 Hornet mimic hover 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 Hornet mimic hover fly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Species Status of Hornet mimic hover fly
It is present in most of Europe, in Tunisia, Iran, Russia (to Far East) and in Mongolia.
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Distribution Area of Hornet mimic hover fly
In most of Europe, Tunisia, Iran, Russia Mongolia
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Appearance of Hornet mimic hover fly
Volucella zonaria can reach a length of 2.5 cm, with a wingspan of about 4 cm. These very large and wide hoverflies have reddish-brown shining thorax with dark brown marks, and a reddish-brown scutellum. The head shows a waxy yellow face, with yellow forehead and antennae. The large ovoid compound eyes are reddish with dense and short hairy. In the males they are very close to each other, so that the forehead is very narrow. The abdomen is reddish yellow, with two wide black bands. The underside has broad black bars. Wings are amber infused. The legs are basically red-brown, but black at the base.
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How to Identify Hornet mimic hover fly?

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Life Cycle of Hornet mimic hover fly
Egg After a female hornet mimic hover fly lays eggs, they start as tiny, often cylindrical or oval structures that may appear in clusters or individually. Over time, the eggs expand slightly and mature into larvae.
Larva The larvae of hornet mimic hover fly emerge worm-like, lacking wings and legs. They undergo several molts, increasing in size, and their body may change in color and texture as they grow.
Pupal The hornet mimic hover fly enter a non-feeding pupal stage, where transformation occurs. They develop encased within a puparium, and during this resting phase, their bodies reorganize dramatically, forming adult structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult hornet mimic hover 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 Hornet mimic hover fly
2.5 cm
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Predators of Hornet mimic hover fly Larvae
Frogs and toads, birds, rodents, spiders, beetles
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Predators of Adult Hornet mimic hover fly
Birds, dragonflies, robber flies, mantises, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Hornet mimic hover fly
Hornet mimic hover fly can hover motionless in the air for remarkably long periods, thanks to its extraordinarily efficient wing muscles and rapid wing-beat frequency.
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Scientific Classification of Hornet mimic hover fly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Tips for Finding Hornet mimic hover fly
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Youth Habitat of Hornet mimic hover fly
Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of Hornet mimic hover fly
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Gardens and Parks
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How Can You Attract Hornet mimic hover fly
Since hornet mimic hover fly are also known as hoverflies or flower flies, they are attracted to nectar and pollen. Therefore, sweet substances like honey or sugar water might be used as a trap food to attract adult hornet mimic hover fly.
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Habitat Preferences of Hornet mimic hover fly Through Different Life Stages
To observe the different development stages of hornet mimic hover fly, specific habitats are preferred. The larvae typically inhabit decomposing organic matter, especially inside beehives or wasp nests, where they play a role as scavengers. For the adult hornet mimic hover fly, flowering gardens, meadows, and woodlands with abundant nectar sources are commonplace, especially during warm, sunny days when they are most active in pollinating and feeding on flowers. Searching for larvae involves checking within the debris of nests, while adults are often found hovering or feeding on flowers like dahlias or buddleia.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Hornet mimic hover fly
The best time to find hornet mimic hover fly would be during daylight hours, especially on sunny days when these creatures are most active and when flowers are abundant.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Hornet mimic hover fly
Warm, sunny, and calm weather is ideal for finding hornet mimic hover fly, as this is when they are most likely to be out pollinating and feeding on flowers.
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How and Where Can You Find Hornet mimic hover fly at Different Life Stages
Larva Larvae of hornet mimic hover fly can be found in waterlogged habitats or inside wasp nests depending on the species. Search near stagnant water or in detritus for a safer way to find the larvae without disturbing wasps.
Pupal Hornet mimic hover fly pupae typically attach to a solid surface in a sheltered location. Look for them under leaves, on stems, or on the walls of buildings where they can safely pupate.
Adult Hornet mimic hover fly adults are often seen hovering or feeding at flowers. Thus, to safely find adult hornet mimic hover fly, visit gardens, meadows, or wooded areas with plentiful flowering plants during the day.
Are Hornet mimic hover fly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Hornet mimic hover 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
Decomposers
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Hornet mimic hover fly is a skilled pollinator, often seen hovering around flowers, attracted by their vivid colors and enticing scents. It feeds on pollen, inadvertently collecting and transferring it from bloom to bloom, aiding in plant reproduction. This mimicry artist resembles a stinging insect, deterring predators while it busily pollinates.
Decomposers
Stage
Larvae
Items
Dead Animals, Plant Remains
Hornet mimic hover fly primarily acts as a decomposer during its larval stage, breaking down organic matter such as dead animals and plant remains. These larvae work efficiently, consuming decay to recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. Often overlooked is their role in controlling the spread of bacteria during decomposition, which is crucial for ecosystem health.
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