Eristalis flavipes

Walker, 1849

orange-legged drone fly

Eristalis flavipes, commonly known as the orange-legged , is a North in the . are striking mimics of bumblebees, measuring 13–17 mm in length, with abundant bright on a black body and distinctive orange-red legs. The is active from early April through mid-October, occurring across diverse with particular affinity for wetlands. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, while are aquatic rat-tailed that filter-feed in standing water.

Eristalis flavipes by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Eristalis flavipes-male by Peterwchen. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Eristalis flavipes 51268204 by Healthy Yards. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eristalis flavipes: /ˌɛrɪˈsteɪlɪs ˈflævɪˌpiːs/

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

Identification

Distinguished from similar Eristalis by the orange-red coloration of the middle and (legs otherwise black), the dark red second abdominal , and the female's large spot. The combination of bright on with black and orange leg segments separates it from other . Male are broadly contiguous with vertical eye pile stripe; female has diagnostic wing spot.

Images

Habitat

Occurs in a wide variety of with particular affinity for wetlands; includes meadows, gardens, forest edges, and riparian areas

Distribution

to North America; recorded from Vermont and other US states

Seasonality

period from early April to mid-October

Diet

feed on nectar and pollen from flowers, particularly members of the aster ; are aquatic filter-feeders

Life Cycle

; are rat-tailed —aquatic filter-feeders with elongated for respiration in standing water; occurs in aquatic or semi-aquatic ; emerge in spring and are active through autumn

Behavior

hover motionless in ; frequently visit flowers for feeding; known to hibernate in sheltered locations such as caves during winter months

Ecological Role

serve as ; contribute to in aquatic through filter-feeding; adults exhibit of stinging , potentially reducing pressure

Human Relevance

are in gardens and landscapes; may occasionally contaminate livestock feed or water sources; no significant pest status

Similar Taxa

  • Eristalis tenaxCommon , also a bumblebee mimic, but has more uniformly colored legs without distinct orange and lacks the dark red second abdominal segment of E. flavipes
  • Eristalis arbustorumAnother North , distinguished by different leg coloration and abdominal patterning

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Sources and further reading