Drone Fly

The Drone Fly Eristalis tenax takes its name from the insect it mimics, the honey bee.  This species of hover fly evolved to look like a drone bee so that it would recieve less attention for predators thinking it had a sting in its tail.

Drone flies are quite common and for obvious reasons often mistaken for honey bees. They breed around still water, particulary if there is a high level organic polution, the maggots have long tails so that they can breathe underwater whilst feeding on the organic waste. 

These flies are quite harmless and pollinate many flowers in the garden.