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
Tapered drone fly

Tapered drone fly

Eristalis pertinax

A species of Rat-tailed maggots

Wing length 8 - 13 mm. Antennomere 3 brown-black. Arista plumose to tip.Tarsi 1 and 2 entirely yellow. Wing with diffusely bordered darkened median band and pterostigma 4 times as long as wide. Dimorphic (males with triangular abdomen, females with squarish abdomen).

General Info About Tapered 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 Tapered drone fly
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
wetland; forest; alluvial forest; farmland; suburban garden; park
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, pollen, honeydew, sugar-rich secretions, occasional aphid honeydew
Larva Food Source
Decomposing organic matter, rotting vegetation, liquid slurry of manure, nutrient-rich puddles, decaying fruits
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Tapered 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 Tapered 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 Tapered 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 Tapered drone fly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Tapered drone fly
It is distributed in Palaearctic Fennoscandia South to Iberia and the Mediterranean basin and Ireland East through Europe into Turkey and European Russia East to the Urals.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Tapered drone fly
Palaearctic Fennoscandia, Ireland, Europe
Rectangle
Appearance of Tapered drone fly
Wing length is 8 - 13 mm. Antennomere 3 is brown-black. Arista is plumose to tip. Tarsi 1 and 2 are entirely yellow. Wing have diffusely bordered darkened median band and pterostigma 4 times as long as wide. Dimorphic (males have triangular abdomen, females have squarish abdomen).
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Tapered drone fly?

Rectangle
Life Cycle of Tapered drone fly
Egg The egg stage features tiny, often oval-shaped eggs laid on substrates close to food sources. Notable for the lack of mobility and rapid embryonic development within.
Larva During the larval stage, the tapered drone fly exhibits rapid growth. This legless form shows considerable size increase, with molts between instars, focusing primarily on feeding.
Pupal The pupal stage is a non-feeding phase where tapered drone fly undergoes significant transformation. Encased within a puparium, it develops wings, legs, and adult structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult tapered 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 Tapered drone fly
1.1 - 1.7 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Tapered drone fly Larvae
Beetles, birds, dragonflies, frogs, hunting wasps, mammals, spiders
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Tapered drone fly
Birds, dragonflies, frogs, lizards, spiders
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Tapered drone fly
Unlike many insects, tapered drone fly larvae can survive in oxygen-poor environments by breathing through a snorkel-like rear segment.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Tapered drone fly
Tips for Finding Tapered 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
Youth Habitat of Tapered drone fly
Freshwater Habitats
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Tapered drone fly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Gardens and Parks
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Tapered drone fly
Since adults of tapered drone fly feed on nectar and pollen, sweet substances, such as sugar water or artificial nectar, can be used as attractants.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Tapered drone fly Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of tapered drone fly typically inhabit nutrient-rich aquatic environments, such as stagnant ponds, ditches, or slow-moving streams, where decaying organic material is abundant, providing a rich source of food. In contrast, the adults are predominantly found in open, sunny areas where flowers are plentiful, as they feed on nectar and pollen. To seek out the various stages, one would inspect the muddy margins of water bodies for the rat-tailed larvae and explore flower-rich fields, gardens, or meadows for the hovering, bee-like adults.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Tapered drone fly
The adult stage can be best found during warm sunny days when flowers are in bloom, as they are active foragers for nectar. For other stages, timing may depend on their life cycle and habitat.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Tapered drone fly
Warm and sunny weather is ideal for finding adult tapered drone fly, as they are more likely to be active and visible. Larval stages may be less affected by weather, but moist conditions are often preferable for their habitats.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Tapered drone fly at Different Life Stages
Larva Tapered drone fly larvae can be found in wet environments such as stagnant water bodies. Look for them in pools, ditches, or water-filled containers by carefully scooping through the water with a net or container.
Pupal Tapered drone fly pupae are typically found close to the larval habitat but will often be attached to a solid substrate above water level. Search for them on sticks, leaves, or stones that are near or partly submerged in the larval habitat.
Adult Tapered drone fly adults are found in areas rich with flowers. Look for them hovering or feeding at flowers on sunny days. They are often mistaken for bees or wasps, so careful observation is needed to distinguish tapered drone fly based on their flight patterns and morphology.
Are Tapered 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 Tapered 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
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Tapered drone fly is an efficient pollinator, often seen hovering around flowers, attracted by their vivid colors and enticing smells. While feeding on nectar and pollen, tapered drone fly inadvertently collects pollen on its body, which is then transferred to other flowers, aiding in plant reproduction. This incidental contact ensures the continuation of many plant species.
Decomposers
Stage
Larvae
Items
Dead Animals, Plant Remains, Animal Feces, Food Waste, Garbage
In its larval stage, tapered drone fly contributes to decomposition by breaking down organic matter. This process is critical in nutrient cycling and reducing waste in ecosystems. The larvae consume a variety of decaying material, expediting decomposition and enriching the soil. Intriguingly, they are able to live in oxygen-poor aquatic environments due to their unique respiratory system.
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 Tapered 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
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
Syrphid fly
Syrphid fly

Copestylum tamaulipanum 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