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| | | Drone flies | | The drone fly (Eristalis tenax) is a hoverfly and is common throughout the world. It is quite striking in appearance. | | |
| | | | The fly can reach a body length of 14 to 18 mm. It has a dark brown abdomen, the second segment of which has yellow, reddish-yellow or ochre wedge-shaped spots. The drone fly has black compound eyes, which are connected by hairy bends above and below. The females’ eyes are clearly separated, while the males’ meet. | | |
| | | | Drone flies are especially common in rural areas, (but are also encountered in populated areas), where they are often found in dunghills. They feed on nectar preferably from the sunflower family (Asteraceae) and the carrot family (umbellifers). | | |
| | | | The female drone flies lay their eggs in sewage treatment plants and other muddy or foul waters. The larvae have a breathing tube, which is up to 100 mm in length. Therefore they are known as rat-tailed maggots. The larvae of drone flies develop to a body length of up to 20 mm. Due to the fact that they filter feculent particles from the water, they contribute to the clarification of water. | | |
| | | | When the larvae of the drone flies leave the water they enter buildings in search of a place to become pupae. They are exterminated when they occur en masse. Since the drone fly shows few escape reflexes, it can be captured in the hand. | | |
| | | | Adult drone flies are active from March to October. As the female drone flies overwinter, they also can be encountered outdoors on warm winter days. | | |
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| | | Description of images / photos | | 1. | Drone fly - Eristalis tenax on a white flower | | 2. | Hoverfly - Drone fly - Top view | | 3. | Eristalis tenax - Drone fly - Rear view | | 4. | Drone fly - Front view | | 5. | Drone fly | | 6. | Drone fly - Eristalis tenax |
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