Eristalis tenax (Dronefly)

Life > Eukaryotes > Opisthokonta > Metazoa (animals) > Bilateria > Ecdysozoa > Panarthropoda > Tritocerebra > Phylum: Arthopoda > Mandibulata > Atelocerata > Panhexapoda > Hexapoda > Insecta (insects) > Dicondyla > Pterygota > Metapterygota > Neoptera > Eumetabola > Holometabola > Panorpida > Antliophora > Diptera (flies) > Brachycera > Muscomorpha > Eremoneura > Cyclorrapha > Aschiza > Syrphoidea > Family: Syrphidae (hoverflies) > Subfamily: Eristalinae > Genus: Eristalis

Eristalis tenax is a widespread species that has been introduced to South Africa, where it is common.

The adult of Eristalis tenax (common name: Dronefly) in appearance bears a close resemblance to a honeybee. The larva has a long thin tail. Thus it is called a rat-tailed larva. It lives in stagnant water, farmyard drains, etc. A female drone fly can lay 100 to 200 eggs (sometimes even more). It takes about 15 days untill the larvae pupate. The adult hatches after another 10-15 days.