Great Pied Hoverfly

Volucella pellucens

One of the largest hoverflies in Britain. Mainly seen in June and July, this species features a prominent ivory-white band across its middle and large dark spots on the wings. It inhabits woods and hedgerows, favouring bramble flowers and umbellifers. Its larvae reside in the nests of social wasps and bumblebees, feeding on waste products and the larvae.