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
Black-shouldered drone fly

Black-shouldered drone fly

Eristalis dimidiata

A species of Rat-tailed maggots

Eristalis dimidiata is a fly species from the gliding family (Syrphidae). The scientific name of the species was published in 1830 by Christian Rudolph Wilhelm Wiedemann.

General Info About Black-shouldered 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 Black-shouldered drone fly
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Habitat
flower
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers, pollen from flowers, sugar-rich substances, honeydew excreted by aphids, various sugary plant secretions
Larva Food Source
Decaying organic matter, stagnant water organic residues, rotting vegetation, animal manure, sewage
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Black-shouldered drone fly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Black-shouldered drone fly is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Black-shouldered 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.
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Black-shouldered drone fly
It is found outside Richmond, Hanover County, Virginia, USA.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Black-shouldered drone fly
Much of Canada and the eastern and northern United States
Rectangle
Appearance of Black-shouldered drone fly
Black-shouldered drone fly is a small insect with light yellow or off-white stripes on its belly.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Black-shouldered drone fly?

Rectangle
Life Cycle of Black-shouldered drone fly
Egg The eggs of black-shouldered drone fly are typically oval and minuscule. Initially, they are of a pearly white color, which may change as the embryo develops. Laid in clusters, they are often found in damp environments favorable for larval survival.
Larva The larvae, commonly known as maggots, are legless and have a soft body that may range from transparent to a creamy white hue. They exhibit significant growth in size while molting multiple times before pupation.
Pupal During this stage, black-shouldered drone fly undergoes transformation inside a hard pupal case. The color of the pupa usually starts as pale but darkens with time. The form inside reorganizes drastically as it prepares to become an adult.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult black-shouldered drone fly's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Black-shouldered drone fly
1 - 1.4 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Black-shouldered drone fly Larvae
Amphibians (frogs and toads), reptiles (geckos), insectivorous birds, arachnids (spiders), insects (beetles, ants, wasps)
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Black-shouldered drone fly
Birds, reptiles (lizards), arachnids (spiders), insects (dragonflies, mantises)
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Black-shouldered drone fly
Tips for Finding Black-shouldered 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 Black-shouldered drone fly
To attract black-shouldered drone fly, a mixture of sugar and water or any sweet-smelling substance can be used as it simulates the nectar they feed on during their adult stage.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Black-shouldered drone fly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of black-shouldered drone fly are usually laid on decomposing organic matter, including animal dung and rotting vegetation, making these rich habitats a good place to start looking. Larvae, often referred to as rat-tailed maggots due to their distinctive tail-like breathing tube, thrive in stagnant, nutrient-rich waters, such as small ponds, ditches, and dirty pools. For pupae, search the margins of these watery areas for sheltered spots where they can undergo transformation safely. Adults are often found in flower-rich areas, as they feed on nectar and are common pollinators, making gardens, meadows, and fields with abundant blossoms prime locations to observe them.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Black-shouldered drone fly
The best time to find adult black-shouldered drone fly is on sunny days when temperatures are moderate, as they are more active during this weather for foraging and mating. Larval stages are less affected by time of day but may be more evident after rain.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Black-shouldered drone fly
Adult black-shouldered drone fly prefer sunny and warm conditions as it provides the energy required for flight. However, the larval and pupal stages are typically found in wetter environments necessary for their development.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Black-shouldered drone fly at Different Life Stages
Larva Black-shouldered drone fly larvae are usually found in stagnant water bodies like ponds or ditches that are rich in organic material. To find them, carefully examine the surface scum or substrate in these water bodies.
Pupal Black-shouldered drone fly pupae are often located in the same environments as the larvae. Look for them attached to submerged objects or vegetation near the water's edge.
Adult Black-shouldered drone fly adults can be spotted in meadows, gardens, and other areas with flowering plants. They are attracted to bright and fragrant flowers, so these locations are suitable for observation. Early morning when flowers are abundant with nectar is an ideal time.
Are Black-shouldered 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 Black-shouldered 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
Black-shouldered drone fly is an efficient pollinator, often seen hovering around flowers, attracted by their vivid colors and sweet scents. While feeding on nectar, black-shouldered drone fly inadvertently collects pollen on its body, which is then transferred to other flowers, aiding in cross-pollination. This incidental contact ensures the fertilization of many plants.
Decomposers
Stage
Larvae
Black-shouldered drone fly larvae play a crucial role in breaking down various organic materials, serving as nature's cleanup crew. They are particularly effective in decomposing dead animals, plant remains, and animal feces, recycling vital nutrients back into the ecosystem. These larvae harbor a vast community of microbes in their gut, which aids in the efficient decomposition process. An interesting fact about black-shouldered drone fly is that their larvae are sometimes referred to as 'rat-tailed maggots' due to their distinctive long, tail-like breathing siphon.
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 Black-shouldered 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