Hornet Mimic Hoverfly

Found in gardens, parks, and around deciduous woodlands across much of Europe and parts of Asia.

Adults feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. Larvae are scavengers or predators (commensals) in the nests of social wasps and hornets.

Notable for its mimicry of the European hornet (Vespa crabro), though it is harmless. It is an excellent flier capable of hovering in place. Larvae live inside the nests of wasps or hornets, feeding on debris and occasionally the hosts' larvae.

Harmless to humans as it lacks a stinger. Benefits the ecosystem as a significant pollinator and helps keep wasp nests clean by scavenging waste.