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Common drone fly

Common drone fly

Eristalis tenax

A species of Rat-tailed maggots, Also known as Rat-tailed maggot, Bee mimicking hover fly

Common drone fly (Eristalis tenax) is the most common hoverfly worldwide. Noted for its remarkable adaptability, it has spread to every continent other than Antarctica and even survives in the frigid Himalayas. It is territorial and will attack any other species that ventures into its chosen territory, and it is apt to dwell within this area for the rest of its life.

General Info About Common drone fly
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Attributes of Common drone fly
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
garden; field; the Himalayas
Adult Food Sources
Nectar and pollen from flowers such as: dandelions, thistles, marigolds, lavenders, and asters
Larva Food Source
Decaying organic matter, sewage, liquid manure, stagnant water with organic material
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
The Common 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 Common 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 Common drone fly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Species Status of Common drone fly
It is common, migratory and cosmopolitan, the most widely distributed syrphid species in the world, and is known from all regions except the Antarctic.
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Distribution Area of Common drone fly
All regions except the Antarctic
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Appearance of Common drone fly
Eristalis tenax is a large (wingspan 1.5 cm), stocky, bee mimic. Eyes are marbled in black. Wing length is 1 - 1.3 cm. Femur 3 thick, hanging down while hovering. The egg is white, covered in a sticky substance, and has an elongated shape. The larva is aquatic, and has a cylindrical shape with patchs of horizontal folds that divides the body into segments. The pupal stage of the common drone fly is very similar to the larva stage but they are shorter and thicker. The adult common drone fly is about 2.5 cm in length, and can be easily differentiated rom honey bees because they don’t have a constricted middle between the thorax and the abdomen. They only have two wings while bees have 4. There are short brownish- yellow hairs on the thorax and the beginning segment of the abdomen.
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How to Identify Common drone fly?

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Life Cycle of Common drone fly
Egg The embryonic common drone fly resides within a protective casing. At this stage, the common drone fly is minute and lacks discernible features, yet exhibits a color that blends with its environment.
Larva Upon hatching, the common drone fly's larva, commonly vermiform, displays a distinct color and consumes nutrients voraciously, growing exponentially without resembling its parents.
Pupal Undergoing a transformation within a pupa, the common drone fly's structure is completely reorganized. During this phase, the insect is static and develops wings and legs.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult common 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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Adult Size of Common drone fly
1.6 cm
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Predators of Common drone fly Larvae
Frogs, toads, beetles, aquatic insect larvae
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Scientific Classification of Common drone fly
Tips for Finding Common drone fly
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Youth Habitat of Common drone fly
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Common drone fly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Gardens, Meadows
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How Can You Attract Common drone fly
To attract adult common drone fly, one could use a mixture of water and sugar or plant nectar to mimic their natural food sources. For larvae, decaying organic matter or a water source with decomposing vegetation could be used.
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Habitat Preferences of Common drone fly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of common drone fly are typically laid in decaying organic matter, such as in stagnant pools or in wet, decaying vegetation, providing a nutrient-rich environment for the larvae to develop. Larvae, also known as rat-tailed maggots, reside in these organic-rich locations and can also be found in polluted waters where they utilize a unique tail-like extension for breathing. Pupation usually occurs on drier ground nearby, possibly in soil or leaf litter. Adults are frequently found in a variety of environments, including open fields, gardens, and near bodies of water, as they feed on nectar and pollen from flowers.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Common drone fly
The most suitable time to find adult common drone fly is during daylight hours on warm, sunny days when they are most active. Larvae are less affected by time of day but are still best searched for during mild to warm temperatures.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Common drone fly
Adult common drone fly prefer sunny and warm weather but not extreme heat, so a mild to warm day with little wind is ideal. For larvae, damp conditions near water sources with decaying plant material are preferable.
Are Common drone fly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Common drone fly
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Decomposers
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Common drone fly is a vital pollinator that is attracted to flowers by their vivid colors and enticing smells. While feeding on nectar and pollen, common drone fly inadvertently collects pollen on its body, which is then transferred to other flowers, aiding in plant reproduction. This inadvertent pollination is crucial for many ecosystems.
Decomposers
Items
Decaying Organic Matter, Plant Remains, Animal Feces
Common drone fly larvae are remarkable decomposers, thriving in decomposing organic matter including plant residues and animal dung. Without common drone fly, nutrient cycling would be less efficient as they break down complex organic matter into simpler compounds, thus fostering soil health and fertility. Interestingly, these larvae are known colloquially as 'rat-tailed maggots' due to their distinctive, elongated breathing tubes.
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