Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
European drone fly

European drone fly

Eristalis arbustorum

A species of Rat-tailed maggots

External images For terms see Morphology of Diptera Wing length 7–10 mm. Arista plumose (at least basal half). Face entirely pale dusted (in rubbed specimens shining black median stripe). Hind femora pale at tip only. Resembles E. abusiva, but distinguished by the plumose arista, also less projecting mouth-edge and overall pubescence shorter. Top ​⁄4 of tibia 2 black. The male genitalia are figured by Hippa et al. (2001) The larva is figured by Hartley (1961).

General Info About European drone fly
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of European drone fly
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, pollen, honeydew, plant secretions
Larva Food Source
Decaying organic matter, manure, slurry, stagnant water organic substances, microorganisms
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The European drone fly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The European drone fly feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The European drone fly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Distribution Area of European drone fly
Eristalis arbustorum occurs throughout the Palaearctic, including North Africa, as well as in North India (Indomalayan realm). In North America, the species was introduced near Toronto around 1885 and is now ubiquitous throughout much of the United States and Canada.
Rectangle
Life Cycle of European drone fly
Egg Emerging from the adult european drone fly, the eggs are small, oval, and typically deposited in moisture-rich environments. Color varies from white to creamy and they are inconspicuous to avoid predation.
Larva Upon hatching, the larvae, often called 'rat-tailed maggots', are legless and possess a distinctly elongated tail for breathing. They thrive in stagnant water, consuming decomposing organic materials.
Pupal The larvae encase themselves in pupae, typically in drier areas near the larval habitat. The pupae are barrel-shaped, and within this protective casing, the european drone fly undergoes drastic transformation.
Adult The adult european drone fly emerges with a fully developed body; sporting wings, compound eyes, and colorful markings for species and gender identification. It now seeks nectar and mates, abandoning its aquatic larval habitat.
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About European drone fly
European drone fly can hover in one spot like a hummingbird, a behavior rare for insects outside of the fly order.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of European drone fly
Tips for Finding European drone fly
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
How Can You Attract European drone fly
Since european drone fly frequently feeds on nectar and pollen, sweet substances like sugar water or floral-scented baits can be used as traps.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of European drone fly Through Different Life Stages
Adult european drone fly are commonly found in a wide variety of habitats, including gardens, meadows, and farmlands where they can be seen hovering around flowers for nectar. The larvae, known as rat-tailed maggots, typically inhabit stagnant or slow-moving waters, like ditches, ponds, and wetlands, where they feed on organic debris. To find the larvae, one would search at the edges of such water bodies, carefully examining the muddy substrate and decaying vegetation. Meanwhile, adult european drone fly would be sought in open, sunny areas with abundant flowering plants during their active seasons.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe European drone fly
The best time to find adult european drone fly is during warm, sunny days when flowers are in bloom, as this is when they are most active.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe European drone fly
Adult european drone fly prefer to fly in calm, sunny weather. Overcast conditions with little to no wind are also suitable for observing them near flowers.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find European drone fly at Different Life Stages
Larva European drone fly larvae are commonly found in stagnant, nutrient-rich aquatic environments such as garden ponds or slow-moving streams. Look for them underneath the surface film or within decaying organic matter.
Pupal European drone fly pupae may be located at the surface of the water or slightly above in nearby vegetation. Identify their resting spot by searching for the characteristic pupal casings attached to stems or leaves.
Adult Adult european drone fly are often spotted visiting flowers or hovering in sunny spots in gardens, meadows, and near forests. To spot them, observe various flowering plants, especially those in the Asteraceae family, on which they frequently feed.
Are European drone fly harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of European drone fly
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Decomposers
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
European drone fly is an efficient pollinator, often seen hovering around flowers, attracted by their vivid colors and sweet scents. While feeding on nectar and pollen, european drone fly inadvertently collects pollen on its body and transfers it to other flowers, aiding in plant reproduction. This incidental contact ensures the cross-pollination of many plants.
Decomposers
Stage
Larvae
The larvae stage of european drone fly plays a crucial role in breaking down organic matter, including dead animals, decaying plant material, and various forms of organic waste. These larvae are highly efficient in nutrient cycling, often found in nutrient-rich environments where decomposition is ongoing. The enzymatic digestion process they employ helps to return vital nutrients to the ecosystem, making european drone fly an essential participant in maintaining ecological balance. European drone fly's often overlooked contribution to ecosystems includes the enhancement of soil fertility through their decomposition activities.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to European drone fly
Mexican cactus fly
Mexican cactus fly

Adorned with bands of yellow and black across its abdomen and a metallic sheen, mexican cactus fly is a skilled pollinator, flitting among flowers with a discerning taste for nectar. In their larval stage, these creatures exhibit a remarkable appetite for aphids, contributing to the natural balance of garden ecosystems. In their adulthood, they mimic their stinging hymenopteran counterparts, a clever ruse that protects them from many predators.

Read More
Arrow
Syrphid fly
Syrphid fly

Copestylum tamaulipanum is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Yellow-spotted bromeliad fly
Yellow-spotted bromeliad fly

Copestylum avidum, the yellow-spotted bromeliad fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Purple Bromeliad Fly
Purple Bromeliad Fly

Copestylum violaceum, the purple bromeliad fly, is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Wavy mucksucker
Wavy mucksucker

Characterized by a remarkable ability to hover in mid-air, wavy mucksucker exhibits a striking, mimicry-based resemblance to stinging Hymenoptera, though it is entirely harmless to humans. This aerodynamic prowess is coupled with larval stages that occur in damp habitats, often within decaying material, where they contribute to decomposition. As adults, they primarily feed on nectar and pollen, playing a significant role in the pollination of various flora.

Read More
Arrow
Simosyrphus grandicornis
Simosyrphus grandicornis

This spice has been introduced to several Polynesian islands, and Hawaii.

Read More
Arrow
Spotted wood fly
Spotted wood fly

Somula decora is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Eastern catkin fly
Eastern catkin fly

Brachypalpus oarus is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow