European hornet?

roseway · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 01:58 PM

I saw this in Brockhill Country Park in Kent. It looks like a European hornet (I think) but what slightly puzzles me is that it was hardly any bigger than a common wasp, about 15 mm long. So is it a European hornet?

Bobbobthebob · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 04:39 PM

It's Volucella zonaria, a hornet-mimicking hoverfly

roseway · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 05:45 PM

Well I'm blowed! Many thanks.

Klaas Reißmann · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 07:34 PM

But honrets shouldn't be to far away, because the larva of this hoverfly developes in the decay hornets litter under their nest.

Regards
Klaas

aeshna5 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klaas Reißmann

But honrets shouldn't be to far away, because the larva of this hoverfly developes in the decay hornets litter under their nest.

Regards
Klaas

I think they also use Vespula species too as I frequently see this species in parts of London- especially in gardens where there are no Hornets, though the latter certainly occurs in some of the ancient parks such as Richmond Park.