Pellucid Fly - Volucella pellucens
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Species Description
Widespread and fairly frequent throughout the UK especially around Wales and the Bristol Region but never seen in quantity (usually only individuals are seen). Habitats include: hedgerows, woodland, copses etc. Life story: The Female enters the nest of the host and lays her eggs. When the eggs hatch the young larvae drop to the bottom of the nest chamber, where they feed as scavengers on debris. Larvae develop as scavengers and are larval predators in the nests of social wasps (Common and German) and Bumblebees; feeding on the host's young and dead adults. Fully grown larvae leave the nest and pupate in the soil below. Adults emerge the following year from about mid-May to June. Diet: Adult: Pollen and Nectar from Brambles, Umbellifers, Ivy, Sambucus, Cornus, Ligustrum, Asteraceae, Common Valerian, Devil's-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis), Chamerion angustifolium. Other names include: Pied Plumehorn. Length: 13 - 17 mm. Wing length: 10 - 15.5 mm. Flight period: May to October (peaks June to July).