WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Widespread and fairly frequent throughout the South and expanding its range Northwards (reaching Glasgow in 2018). Most sightings come from the Bristol region where it is resident. Other areas with strong populations include: Leicester, Shrewsbury, South-eastern East Anglia and the Isle of White. It is Britain's largest Hoverfly and was a rare vagrant (only known from 2 records) up until the 1940s when it started to colonise and become established. Habitat includes: Anywhere with Common and German Wasps; It seems to prefer Urban and Suburban areas in places such as gardens, parks, allotments, churchards, meadows etc. Flight period: May to November (peaks - August). Other names include: Hornet Plume-horn, Hornet Mimic Hoverfly. Life story: This Hornet mimic lays its eggs in the nests of social wasps. The larvae develop as scavengers and larval predators. Diet: Adults = Nectar and pollen from various flowers including: Ivy, Ox-eye Daisy, Larvae = Scavengers / predators of Social Wasps. Length: 25 mm. Wingspan: 40 mm.