a hoverfly, not a wasp

[Two_Sheds]

Thanks to Flytrap, who identified this beastie for me.
Volucella zonaria also called the Hornet Mimic Hoverfly, is a European species of hoverfly. It is a fly, not a wasp, and it doesn't sting.
In Britain there were only 2 known specimens prior to 1940. It has become increasingly widespread in many parts of the South and South East of England (global warming?)
The larvae live in wasps' nests, the adults are seen in late summer, feeding on ivy & buddleja flowers.

[Two_Sheds]

(not my photo, as mine won't load)

[blito]

see lots of hoverflys in lincoln this time of year... very common in fact

[DaveC]

While we are on the topic of hoverflies....

Im hooked on photograhy as well as gardening and thought you'd like this. I took it about a month or so ago................>
Hover fly on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[di]

Two Sheds!I think you may have just put my mind at ease!!Last week we had an almost constant visitor at the lottie(&I'm almost ashamed to admit I was terrified!)I was pretty sure it wasn't a hornet,although deffo big enough!One thing I can't quite work out from the photo~the "thing" we had seemed a little fluffier than the picture you've posted.In real life did yours appear a tad bit fluffy?Almost cross between wasp/bumblebee?