Drone Fly vs Ponderous Borer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Drone Fly | Ponderous Borer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eristalis tenax | Trichocnemis spiculatus |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Cerambycidae |
| Size | 14-18 mm | 40-60 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania | Western United States, British Columbia |
| 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.
Ponderous Borer
One of the largest cerambycids in North America, this prionine breeds in the roots and lower trunks of dead ponderosa pines. Adults are dark brown with a somewhat rough body surface. They are nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Did You Know?
Larval development can take up to six years in dry dead wood, one of the longest development times for any beetle.