Volucella pellucens
West Worthing, West Sussex
[ Wingspan: 10 - 15 millimetres ]
The Pied Plumehorn (sometimes called the Great Pied Hoverfly) is a large, squat member of the Volucella genus. Its distinctive white banding on the abdomen, contrasting with its otherwise black thorax and abdomen, mark this species out from others in the genus. It is a reasonably large insect, with a wingspan of between 10 and 15 millimetres. This individual is widespread and abundant. It prefers sheltered woodland. Larvae live in the nests of social wasps, where they scavenge nest debris.