Drone Fly vs Gold-fringed Mason Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Drone Fly | Gold-fringed Mason Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eristalis tenax | Osmia aurulenta |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Megachilidae |
| Size | 14-18 mm | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Drone Fly
A large hoverfly that is an excellent mimic of the honey bee, complete with similar coloring and buzzing flight. Its aquatic larva is known as a rat-tailed maggot due to its long breathing siphon.
Did You Know?
The rat-tailed maggot larva can breathe in heavily polluted water by extending its telescoping tail siphon up to 10 centimeters to reach the surface air.
Gold-fringed Mason Bee
A distinctive solitary bee that nests inside empty snail shells on warm hillsides. Females cover the shell with grass and debris for camouflage after laying eggs.
Did You Know?
It exclusively nests in snail shells, carefully selecting ones of the right size for its brood.