My thanks to Roger B for identifying this insect as Volucella zonaria, otherwise known as the hornet mimic hoverfly. We had never seen one before but apparently they are becoming more and more common in London and the South East.Next time I see one I want to get a shot of its amazing face.. if the not so little bugger obliges!
4 comments:
I think it's a prince. It's so elegant. I hope you see it again. Maybe it doesn't like the publicity.
I really hop I see it again. Now we have noticed it I'm sure we will be seeing it more often
Looks like a hornet to me. I'd stay away from him if I saw him, just in case.
Ah then the camouflage has worked. Hoverflies mimic bees wasps and hornets to deter predators. In reality they are utterly harmless
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