Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 83

The drone-fly, Eristalis tenax, is found on every continent except Antarctica and ranges to the highest latitudes in the North. Males of this species are strongly territorial, guarding flowerbeds or bushes for mating opportunities. The larva of E. tenax is a saprophagous rat-tailed maggot that feeds on bacteria in polluted water sources. The adult flies resemble honey bees and serve as pollinators, primarily feeding on nectar and pollen. They are active from March to December and can be more numerous than honeybees in urban areas during the autumn.