Drone Flies

Eristalis

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eristalis: //ɛˈrɪstəlɪs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Eristalis brousii by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Eristalis occidentalis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Eristalis brousii by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Eristalis occidentalis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Eristalis occidentalis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Eristalis brousii by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Eristalis, commonly known as drone flies, are a large genus of hoverflies known for their resemblance to honeybee drones. The larvae, known as rat-tailed maggots, are adapted to aquatic environments and have a distinctive long breathing tube. Eristalis species play significant ecological roles as pollinators and in nutrient recycling.

Physical Characteristics

7-17 mm in length. Some species resemble honey bees, while others like E. dimidiatus and E. nemorum are darker and less hairy.

Identification Tips

Eristalis species can be identified by their single pair of wings and halteres, having a spurious vein in the wing, and a sinuate vein R4+5 with petiolate cell r1. Eye pilose and other morphological features may also aid identification.

Habitat

Aquatic environments, particularly stagnant water, sewage, and areas with moist decaying material.

Distribution

Holarctic, Neotropical, Afrotropical, Oriental regions; E. tenax is introduced from Europe.

Diet

Adults feed on nectar; larvae are detritivores that feed on small organisms in stagnant water.

Life Cycle

Eristalis species undergo complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (rat-tailed maggots), pupa, and adult.

Reproduction

Eggs are oviposited in suitable aquatic environments; some larvae can live in human intestines causing myiasis.

Ecosystem Role

Serve as generalist pollinators; larvae play a role in nutrient recycling in aquatic environments.

Cultural Significance

The resemblance of E. tenax to honey bees may have contributed to various cultural stories, including biblical references.

Health Concerns

Larvae of E. tenax can cause myiasis if ingested by humans.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting adults during blooming periods
  • Sampling stagnant water for larvae

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning adult specimens
  • Preservation in alcohol for larvae

Evolution

Part of the family Syrphidae, which includes many genera and species all known for their role in pollination and unique larval adaptations.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Commonly confused with honey bees, especially E. tenax, leading to myths and misunderstandings about their behavior and ecology.

Tags

  • Eristalis
  • Drone Flies
  • Hoverflies
  • Rat-tailed Maggots
  • Syrphidae