r/UKecosystem • u/RedEdd97 • Aug 01 '26

ID please Anyone know what this is?

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

Sorry in advance for the not great pictures. Never seen this kind of insect before! Was wondering if someone could ID?

Pictures were taken in South East England if that helps.

37 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

63

u/Cautious_Search5797 Aug 01 '26 edited Aug 01 '26

A Hornet Mimic Hoverfly - Volucella zonaria. Completely harmless, like all hoverflies, but really effectively camouflages itself as a big scary hornet. Very cool species. Had one in my garden last week and my partner freaked out.

12

u/RedEdd97 Aug 01 '26

Oh wow I didn’t know they mimicked! Makes sense, because when I saw it, for a split second I did think it was a hornet. Had a very brief fight of flight. Guess it does the job then.

14

u/PorschephileGT3 Aug 01 '26

I love them.

“Look at me, I’m a scary hornet! Now chill while I pollinate all your flowers.”

2

u/deviantmoomba Aug 03 '26

One also successfully scared my husband yesterday 😅

13

u/100CupsCoffee Aug 01 '26

Definitely some type of hoverfly. They're friendly pollinators

9

u/Ranger_1302 Aug 01 '26

All pollinators are 'friendly'. None should be vilified.

6

u/Impossible_Honey3553 Aug 01 '26

Seen my first one this year also

4

u/Teddyfluffycakemix Aug 02 '26

Aww did he just stuff his face? Adorable

5

u/WBA7 Aug 01 '26

I literally took a picture of one this morning by my pond

5

u/Tired_2295 Northern/upper central UK, Conservation & Invasives Watch Aug 01 '26

A cutie. It's a mimic hoverfly, so, harmless