About Great Pied Hoverfly
A furry hoverfly that exists in multiple colour forms, each mimicking a different bumblebee species. Larvae develop inside bumblebee nests.
Did You Know?
Different colour forms mimic different bumblebee species, with some resembling red-tailed and others white-tailed bumblebees.
How to Identify Great Pied Hoverfly
Great Pied Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans) belongs to the order Diptera, family Syrphidae. Adults typically measure 12-16 mm.
Great Pied Hoverfly Habitat
Great Pied Hoverfly is found in heathland habitats, particularly across Europe, North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Great Pied Hoverfly Diet and Feeding
Great Pied Hoverfly is a parasitoid whose larvae develop inside or on a host insect, eventually killing it. Parasitoids are important biological control agents in agriculture and natural ecosystems.
Where Is Great Pied Hoverfly Found?
Great Pied Hoverfly can be found in Europe, North America, where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Great Pied Hoverfly can be found
Is Great Pied Hoverfly Dangerous?
Great Pied Hoverfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Great Pied Hoverfly Role in Nature
Great Pied Hoverfly is an important biological control agent. As a parasitoid, its larvae develop inside host insects, naturally regulating pest populations. This makes it valuable in integrated pest management strategies.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Pied Hoverfly
What does Great Pied Hoverfly look like?
The Great Pied Hoverfly typically measures 12-16 mm.
Where is Great Pied Hoverfly found?
The Great Pied Hoverfly is found in Europe, North America and typically inhabits heathland environments.
What does Great Pied Hoverfly eat?
The Great Pied Hoverfly is a parasitoid whose larvae develop inside a host, eventually killing it.
Is Great Pied Hoverfly dangerous to humans?
The Great Pied Hoverfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Great Pied Hoverfly?
Different colour forms mimic different bumblebee species, with some resembling red-tailed and others white-tailed bumblebees.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Great Pied Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/great-pied-hoverfly
MLA:
"Great Pied Hoverfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/great-pied-hoverfly.