Is this Volucella zonaria ?

[mrs fish]

It seems to be a very good year for them , I am seeing several every day and have fallen in love with them

Glad you have met one Tiggrx they are beautys

I have noticed some are bigger then others, could there be a size difference in the sexes ?

[a.lawless]

I spotted a Volucella Zonaria before work in a small park at the back of Smithfields Market in London. Took a shot on my camera phone to find out what it was. I have a small phobia of wasps and wanted to know if it would sting?? Answers on a postcard please... ;-)

[Jason Green]

Hi A. Lawless,

Volucella zonaria is a hoverfly, not a wasp. Therefore it won't sting.

Remember though, wasps only sting in self defence or to protect their territory. Just don't get too close and you should be OK

I used to have a fear of them as I was stung two or three times by bees and wasps, but I've lost it now and actively try to photograph them. I'm searching for German wasps now...

[naturegirl]

Unfortunately, my next door neighbour has a very large wasp's nest under her kitchen window! She has been in hospital for many weeks now and I am reaping the rewards of this by having her wasps visiting my water feature many times daily???? I know that they don't really mean to harm me but....

As I am Anaphylactic to stings, this is not a good scenario for me??

Blimey Jason! You are braver than me!!

I run a mile at the very thought of a sting of ANY sort!!!

I have the German wasps here in the South East of Kent if that is of any help to you Jason? Just don't bring any of them with you please!

Naturegirl

[Jason Green]

Hi NG,



I caught this in the garden, I think the layout of black and yellow on the thorax is similar to that of V.germanica?

BTW If you're Anaphylactic, Keep Away From Stingers Please NG!