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Hornet Mimic Hover Fly

Volucella zonaria

The Hornet Mimic Hover Fly looks like a hornet but is actually a friendly fly! It can hover in the air like a tiny helicopter and loves to visit flowers to drink sweet nectar.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Hornet Mimic Hover Fly has a large, fuzzy yellow and black striped body, closely resembling a hornet. It features large reddish-brown eyes and transparent wings that help it appear more like a stinging insect, distinguishing it from other flies.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilySyrphidaeGenusVolucella
Hornet Mimic Hover Fly
social trait badgeaerial trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Hornet Mimic Hover Fly

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite its name, this fly cannot sting at all!

It helps pollinate flowers just like a busy bee!

Its larvae are sneaky house guests in wasp nests.

This amazing fly can fly backward and sideways with ease.

Special abilities

Ability

Hornet Disguise

Hornet Mimic Hover Fly can perfectly mimic a hornet's look because of its bold yellow and black stripes, deterring predators.

Ability

Acrobatic Hovering

Hornet Mimic Hover Fly can fly in place like a tiny helicopter because of its powerful wings, allowing it to sip nectar easily.

Ability

Wasp Nest Infiltrator

Hornet Mimic Hover Fly has larvae that live in hornet and wasp nests, feeding on detritus or dead larvae, helping them survive safely.

Ability

Flower Friend

Hornet Mimic Hover Fly can spread pollen between flowers as it feeds on nectar, helping plants reproduce.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
30-40 mm
Size
15-22 mm
Lifespan
15-30 days
Flight Speed
12 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults drink nectar and pollen, while larvae are detritivores or scavengers in wasp and hornet nests.

Age differences: Yes, adults feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae are detritivores living inside social insect nests.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • pollen
  • detritus
  • dead wasp larvae

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Hornet Mimic Fly

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't worry, this fly is friendly and won't sting you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hornet Mimic Hover Fly's wingspan?

30-40 mm

How big is Hornet Mimic Hover Fly?

15-22 mm

How long does Hornet Mimic Hover Fly live?

15-30 days

How fast can Hornet Mimic Hover Fly fly?

12 km/h

What does Hornet Mimic Hover Fly eat?

Adults drink nectar and pollen, while larvae are detritivores or scavengers in wasp and hornet nests.

Where is Hornet Mimic Hover Fly usually found?

Urban areas

How does Hornet Mimic Hover Fly hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Hornet Mimic Hover Fly have?

6

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