Volucella
The genus Volucella contains 5 large and distinctive species in the UK, all of which can be identified in the field. All share a distinctive elongated face and plumose arista. As with most hoverflies the eyes meet in males and are separate in females, the sexes are otherwise broadly similar. All species apart from inflata are associated with bee and wasp nests as scavengers, or in the case of inanis, as ectoparasites of wasp larvae.
The largest species of Volucella found in the UK, and a truly impressive insect that strongly resembles a hornet. Could only be mistaken for the slightly smaller Volucella inanis, which has yellow, blunt-ended markings at the top of the abdomen.
The smaller cousin of Volucella zonaria, but still a large and impressive insect. Has yellow instead of brown markings at the top of the abdomen, and also differs in the extent of the black on the underside.
Another large and striking insect, with the bold white stripe on the abdomen contrasting with the otherwise black appearance. Perhaps the commonest and most widespread of the Volucella species, likely to be encountered throughout the UK from June through to the Autumn.
Like an orange tinted version of Volucella pellucens (though beware of dark individuals of that species, which can bear more than a passing resemblance). A species of ancient woodland, and formerly considered very rare, it seems to have increased in range and abundance in recent years.
The odd one out of the Volucella world, being a mimic of bumblebees, and coming in various colour schemes which resemble different bumblebee species. Easily confused with the other bumblebee mimicking species, but on close inspection the characteristically feathery Volucella antennae are distinctive.