 "Volucella zonaria" is a Mediterranean migratory species.These hoverflies mainly feed on nectar of flowers of various plants, especially "Valeriana", "Oregano", "Mentha longifolia", "Scabiosa", "Cornus", "Ligustrum", "Cirsium", "Carduus", "Buddleia" and various other flowering shrubs.Females lay their eggs in wasp and hornet nests.