Species: Common Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax)
Family: Hoverflies (SYRPHIDAE)
Category: Insects (Other)
Location: Widespread
A. Insects (Other)
More extensive information on insects can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Hoverflies (SYRPHIDAE)
True to their name, the hoverflies hover around flowers, and then alight to feed on nectar and pollen. They are very important pollinators, and despite the fact that some look like wasps or bees, this is just mimicry and helps to keep potential predators at bay. Hoverflies have no sting, and have short, drooping antennae. The larvae are as useful as the adults, in that they feed on aphids.
We have a photograph-filled blog post about all the hoverflies that we have seen in the Cemetery that may be worth your time.
C. Common Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax)
The Common Drone Fly looks like a bee and has a name that suggests that it's a fly. However, it is a hoverfly! It resembles a bee drone (hence the name). This mimicry helps to protect it from predators. Like bees, these insects are pollinators.
Look closely and you'll not see the two pairs of wings that bees have, nor the 'waist' typical of bees, nor the stinger.
It can be identified by the orange markings on its abdomen, although these can vary substantially, and by the curve of its rear tibia.
Images
Eristalis tenax (Common Drone Fly)
The Common Drone Fly looks like a bee and has a name that suggests that it's a fly. However, it is a hoverfly!
Eristalis tenax (Common Drone Fly)
Look closely and you'll not see the two pairs of wings that bees have, nor the 'waist' typical of bees, nor the stinger. They also have curved rear tibia as can be seen in this photograph.
Eristalis tenax (Common Drone Fly)
Common Drone Flies fleetingly resemble bees - but note the absence of the stinger and the 'waist'!
