Eristalis flavipes

Walker, 1849

orange-legged drone fly

Eristalis flavipes, commonly known as the orange-legged drone fly, is a North American hoverfly in the Syrphidae. are striking mimics of bumblebees, measuring 13–17 mm in length, with abundant bright yellow pile 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 larvae are aquatic rat-tailed maggots 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/

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Identification

Distinguished from similar Eristalis by the orange-red coloration of the middle and (legs otherwise black), the dark red second abdominal segment, and the female's large brown wing spot. The combination of bright yellow pile on with black and orange leg segments separates it from other drone flies. 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

Native 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 ; larvae are aquatic filter-feeders

Life Cycle

Complete ; larvae are rat-tailed maggots—aquatic filter-feeders with elongated siphon 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 ; larvae contribute to nutrient cycling in aquatic through filter-feeding; adults exhibit of stinging bees, potentially reducing pressure

Human Relevance

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

Similar Taxa

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

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Sources and further reading