Drone Fly vs Yellow Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Drone Fly | Yellow Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eristalis tenax | Diachlorus ferrugatus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Tabanidae |
| Size | 14-18 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania | Southeastern North America, Central America |
| 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.
Yellow Fly
A medium-sized yellowish horse fly notorious for its aggressive biting. It is particularly abundant in the coastal southeastern United States.
Did You Know?
It is considered one of the most painful biting flies in the southeastern United States.