www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Hi All, I came across this insect in FINESHADE WOODS(Stamford) today, is it a bee? I've never seen it before, it's about the same size as a "normal" bubble bee, if this helps, could anyone ID please.
Russ

Hi Russ.

No. This is the hoverfly Volucella inflata.

Good hunting.

Kind regards. Mark

Cheers Mark,
Russ

Nice find Russ, Volucella Inflata is quite localised. Other volucella you may find is the volucella Zonaria which is equally beautiful and more widespread.
Sylvie

Hi Russ,

This would be well worth recording, either via iRecord or through the Hoverfly Recording Scheme website http://www.hoverfly.org.uk/ - this is not a common species outside south-east England.