About 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.
How to Identify Drone Fly
Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) belongs to the order Diptera, family Syrphidae. Adults typically measure 14-18 mm.
Drone Fly Habitat
Drone Fly is found in ponds & lakes habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Drone Fly Diet and Feeding
Drone Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Drone Fly Found?
Drone Fly can be found in Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania, where it inhabits ponds & lakes environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Drone Fly can be found
Is Drone Fly Dangerous?
Drone Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Drone Fly Role in Nature
Drone Fly plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Drone Fly
What does Drone Fly look like?
The Drone Fly typically measures 14-18 mm.
Where is Drone Fly found?
The Drone Fly is found in Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania and typically inhabits ponds & lakes environments.
What does Drone Fly eat?
The Drone Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Drone Fly dangerous to humans?
The Drone Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Drone Fly?
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.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/drone-fly
MLA:
"Drone Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/drone-fly.