Eristalis rupium

Fabricius, 1805

Spot-winged Drone Fly

Eristalis rupium, the spot-winged drone fly, is a European hoverfly first described by Fabricius in 1805. It is a common species across Europe and uncommon in North America. Like other Eristalis species, it exhibits of honey bees and serves as an important . The larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type, inhabiting clear-water streams.

Eristalis rupium by (c) Michael Knapp, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael Knapp. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eristalis rupium: //ˌɛrɪˈsteɪlɪs ˈruːpiəm//

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Images

Habitat

Larvae inhabit streams with clear water. are commonly found around and on flowers.

Distribution

Europe (common); North America (uncommon). Distribution records from Flanders, Belgium, Walloon Region, Denmark, and Norway.

Diet

feed on nectar for energy and pollen as a protein source for development. Larvae are filter-feeders consuming bacteria and other microbes from organic matter in water.

Life Cycle

Larvae are aquatic filter-feeders of the rat-tailed type, possessing an elongated siphon for breathing. Larvae develop in clear-water streams, then seek dry land to pupate. occurs in a hard capsule.

Behavior

are capable of hovering nearly motionless in . Exhibits migratory alongside staying-put strategies to survive variable winter conditions.

Ecological Role

serve as , visiting flowers to obtain nectar and pollen. Larvae contribute to nutrient cycling as filter-feeders in aquatic systems.

Human Relevance

provide pollination services in gardens and natural landscapes. The is sometimes mistaken for bees due to its mimicry.

Similar Taxa

Eristalis tenaxBoth are drone flies with similar -mimic appearance; E. tenax is more and has larvae in organic-rich standing water rather than clear streams.