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Orange-spined drone fly

Orange-spined drone fly

Eristalis interrupta

A species of Rat-tailed maggots

External images For terms, see: Morphology of Diptera. Wing length: 8.25–10.5 mm (0.325–0.413 in). All tarsi are extensively black. Body-hairs are short. Arista plumose basal half. Densely dusted face has a black shining stripe. Hind femora are black in male. Wings are hyaline with quadrate brownish pterostigma (basal to merge of vein sc with costa). Body is yellow-haired. Hind metatarsi are darkened. The male genitalia are figured by Hippa et al. (2001). The larva is figured by Hartley (1961).

General Info About Orange-spined drone fly
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Attributes of Orange-spined drone fly
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
The larvae are aquatic, and of the Rat-tailed maggot type. Adults are often seen visiting flowers. Flight period in the United Kingdom is from April to October, peaking around July and August. The males show a characteristic courtship display, hovering above a foraging female for minutes. When many males are present two or more males may hover above one female. Adult habitat is streamsides, fen meadow and poorly-drained pasture. Flowers visited include yellow composites, umbellifers, Cakile, Calluna vulgaris, Caltha, Cardamine, Cirsium, Crataegus, Eupatorium, Euphorbia, Filipendula, Malus, Menyanthes, Mentha, Parnassia, Prunus, Ranunculus, Rubus fruticosus, Salix, Sorbus, Succisa.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers, pollen from flowers, honeydew, other sugary plant secretions
Larva Food Source
Decaying organic matter, liquid sludge, rotten fruit, manure, sewage
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Species Status of Orange-spined drone fly
Not endangered
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Distribution Area of Orange-spined drone fly
Palearctic, Nearctic
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Life Cycle of Orange-spined drone fly
Egg After oviposition, the small, often oval-shaped eggs display a color that can blend with their surroundings. These eggs serve as the protected developmental stage for the embryonic orange-spined drone fly.
Larva The larva, commonly known as a maggot, lacks distinct limbs and exhibits a worm-like shape. It's primarily focused on feeding and growth, undergoing several molts to increase its size.
Pupal During the pupal stage, the orange-spined drone fly is encased in a protective cocoon and undergoes a remarkable transformation. The previously worm-like body structure reorganizes into the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult orange-spined 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.
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Predators of Orange-spined drone fly Larvae
Frogs, toads, beetle larvae, predatory wasps
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Scientific Classification of Orange-spined drone fly
Tips for Finding Orange-spined drone fly
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Youth Habitat of Orange-spined drone fly
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Orange-spined drone fly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Gardens and Orchards
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How Can You Attract Orange-spined drone fly
For orange-spined drone fly, an effective trap can be constructed using a mixture of sugar, water, and overripe fruit to mimic their natural feeding preferences.
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Habitat Preferences of Orange-spined drone fly Through Different Life Stages
Orange-spined drone fly larvae, which undergo complete metamorphosis, are typically found in nutrient-rich aquatic environments like muddy water or semi-liquid organic matter, where they're known as rat-tailed maggots. Searching for them involves sifting through decaying vegetation or organic sludge. The pupae are normally on soil close to these larval habitats but in drier areas, often under leaves or debris. To find orange-spined drone fly pupae, you might explore nearby soil, carefully turning over natural detritus. Adult orange-spined drone fly, resembling bees or wasps, frequent flowering plants, feeding on nectar. Look for the adults in gardens, meadows, or any areas with abundant flowers, especially during sunny days when they are most active.
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How and Where Can You Find Orange-spined drone fly at Different Life Stages
Larva Orange-spined drone fly larvae are found in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments, often in stagnant, oxygen-poor water. Look for them in shallow ponds, ditches, or waterlogged soil. They can be collected by gently scooping through the mud or water with a net.
Pupal The pupal stage of orange-spined drone fly occurs in the same habitats as the larval stage. Look for orange-spined drone fly pupae attached to submerged objects or vegetation just below the surface of the water. They can often be collected by carefully picking them out with tweezers or a small tool.
Adult Adult orange-spined drone fly are commonly seen hovering near flowers, where they feed on nectar. Finding them involves visiting areas with abundant flowering plants. Catching or observing them can be done with the use of a net, or simply by being patient and watching as they visit flowers.
Are Orange-spined drone fly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Orange-spined drone fly
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Pollinator
Decomposers
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar, Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Orange-spined drone fly is a skilled pollinator, often seen hovering around flowers, attracted by their vivid colors and enticing scents. While feeding on nectar and pollen, orange-spined drone fly inadvertently collects pollen on its body, which is then transferred to other flowers, aiding in their cross-pollination. This inadvertent yet crucial process ensures the reproduction of many plant species.
Decomposers
Items
Dead Animals, Plant Remains, Animal Feces, Food Waste, Garbage
Orange-spined drone fly larvae play a crucial role in ecosystems as decomposers. These organisms process organic waste materials such as dead animals, plant debris, feces, and even human food waste. By feeding on these items, they contribute to nutrient cycling and soil health. An interesting fact is that their larvae are often found in nutrient-rich environments, including polluted water, where they use a snorkel-like appendage to breathe while submerged.
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