Drone Fly vs Thick-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Drone Fly | Thick-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eristalis tenax | Physocephala rufipes |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Conopidae |
| Size | 14-18 mm | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania | 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.
Thick-headed Fly
A wasp-mimicking fly that parasitizes bumblebees by injecting eggs into them mid-flight.
Did You Know?
Infected bumblebees bury themselves in soil where the fly larva pupates.