Drone Fly

Eristalis tenax

Bug Life Native IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

It is the most widely distributed syrphid species in the world and is known from all regions except the Antarctic.
It has a hairy body with wide black and yellow to orange stripes

Drone Flies feed on nectar and are important pollinators. The aquatic larvae, known as a Rat-tailed Maggots, have an extendible breathing tube that they use like a snorkel to breathe.

Size

Body up to 2 cm long

Habitat

On flowers (adult flies) or wet areas such as drains and sewers (larva)

Distribution

South-eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (1)
  1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Header image: CC BY-SA 4.0 © Michael Knapp

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.