The Similis Drone Fly (Eristalis similis) is a common and widespread insect in the Syrphidae family of hoverflies. It is a syrphid. It is also known as the Hoverfly. Similis is Latin for similar, because it is a bee mimic – it looks like a Honey Bee.
The Similis Drone Fly is bee-like with yellow and orange or reddish markings. It has a distinctive marking on its thorax. It has six legs, a pair of wings, and large brown eyes.
It measures 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) long.
The Similis Drone Fly is found in Europe. It likes parks, gardens, fields, and meadows.
It is called a hoverfly because the male hovers still in the air and chases away intruders from its territory. It is territorial.
The adult Similis Drone Fly feeds on nectar from flowers. It is a pollinator, like the bee.
The female lays eggs, which hatch into larvae. The larva of the Drone Fly is a maggot, like the larva of a House Fly. The larva feeds on bacteria. When the larva is fully grown, the larva looks for a suitable place to pupate, such as in a building. The adult fly emerges from the pupa. This is called metamorphosis.
Location of photographs: Paris, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM