Volucella bombylans
General description:
A very distinctive species and bumblebee mimic. It is widely distributed and feeds on a wide range of flowers. The males are territorial and the larvae live in bumblebee nests where they scavenge on debris at the base of the nest.
Diagnostic description:
This is a polymorphic species but in the Outer Hebrides it is present as the black and yellow form which mimics Bombus lucorum. The plumose arista and wings with an outer cross-vein re-entrant distinguish it from other bumblebee mimics.
Local Distribution: