Drone Fly
Scientific Name:
Eristalis tenax
Synonyms:
Description
The Drone Fly has a very similar appearance to a male (drone) honey bee drone, from which it gets its name. The most obvious difference can be found in the Drone Fly's larger eyes.
Not to be confused with Eristalis pertinax (which has a yellow section at the apex of the hind tibia and yellow front tarsi). E. tenax has dark hind legs and black tarsi. The body shape is generally more rounded but beware of gravid female E. pertinax.
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Length:
12mm
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Distribution:
The Drone Fly is common and widespread across the U.K.
Habitat:
The drone fly maggot larva lives in stagnant water.
Diet:
The Drone Fly is usually found feeding on flower nectar.
Status:
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Species:
E. tenax