Volucella inanis or zonaria?

[Miss Caretaker]

Hi, me again! Can anyone tell me whether this is V. inanis or V. zonaria? I'm pretty sure it is inanis but as I am so usually wrong I thought I'd better check!


I'm sure that this is the same individual as above and that the chestnutty colour on the 1st segment is due to shadow but as that is the only feature I know of to distinguish the two I am hoping someone else knows other ways to tell them apart...

Jo

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Jo,

The first is Volucella inanis, as you say. The second is V. zonaria, so correct in questioning it.

Abdomen colouration (on black):

Volucella zonaria: First segment markings red, rest yellow

Volucella inanis: All segment markings yellow

Volucella inflata: First markings deep orange, rest black

Think of the wings as another way of differenciation:

Volucella zonaria: Wings large yellow on leading-edge, with one black smudge near the tip.

Volucella inanis: Around 45% yellow, with one black smudge half-way and the other again near the wing-tip.

Volucella inflata (don't forget this one!): Similar to inanis, but with a smaller smudge near wing-tip. Two reddish markings on the abdomen - rest is black unlike the other two.

Hope this helps!

Take care,

Jason

[Miss Caretaker]

Thanks, Jason. I'll get there eventually .