Submitted by Steve 79 on Sat, 15/08/2020 - 14:10

Hi there, 

 I saw this stunning hoverfly in my garden, taking a drink from damp bark clippings. Could you please tell me if it's a  Male Volucella zonaria? as it says on your site these are only found down south and I live in Stoke.on.Trent.

Thanks for accepting me on your site.

Kindest regards

Steve.

 

Comments

Submitted by David Gould on Sat, 15/08/2020 - 18:21

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Yes, male Volucella zonaria.

Historically they have been a South-eastern species but with ongoing climate change they are spreading north. You can see from the map on the species page that they have already been recorded around Merseyside. Perhaps it's time we updated our description!

Submitted by Steve 79 on Sun, 16/08/2020 - 14:52

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Thanks for confirming.  I'd probably just put dots on the map, until there's evidence of established population in areas outside of current range.  

Thanks again