[3] This species is present in most of Europe, in Tunisia, Iran, Russia (to Far East) and in Mongolia.

[6] Volucella zonaria can reach a length of 25 millimetres (0.98 in),[5] with a wingspan of about 40 mm.

The large ovoid compound eyes are reddish with dense and short hairs.

[6] This species mimics the European hornet (Vespa crabro),[2] by its size, by its appearance and its buzzing flight.

The larvae live as commensals in nests of bees, hornets and of social wasps of the genus Vespula.