DESCRIPTION: Wing length 12 - 14.5mm. A hefty bee-mimic with a black and yellow banded abdomen, an orange to yellow scutellum, a black striped thorax, plumose arista and the outer cross vein re-entrant on the wings. The face is bright yellow. BEHAVIOUR: The larvae live in the nests of ground-dwelling social wasps where they feed upon the wasp grubs. It has been found in the nests of the German Wasp and Hornet amongst others. DISTRIBUTION: Frequent in southern Britain but is gradually expanding its range. HABITAT: Hedgerows, woodland margins, gardens, parkland and brownfield sites. PERIOD: May to September.