The “bee” fly

Although it resembles a bee, the Common drone fly (Eristalis tenax) is actually a Dipteran (a relative of flies) and belongs to the Syrphid family.

Its appearance is similar to that of a common bee but can be distinguished by its plumper body, the lack of a constriction between the abdomen and thorax, and having only 2 wings instead of 4.

The Common drone fly is probably the most common species of Syrphid in Europe and can be observed from April to October on flowers while feeding on nectar

Did you know?

The larvae are called “rat-tailed maggots” due to a long siphon, a telescopic tube-like structure, resembling a tail at the posterior end, used for underwater respiration. These larvae, in fact, live in pools and pits of liquid manure.

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