The Pertinax Dronefly (Eristalis pertinax) is a common and widespread insect in the Syrphidae family of hoverflies. It is the mostly widely distributed syrphid species in the world.
It is a bee mimic – because it looks like a bee.
The Pertinax Dronefly is bee-like with yellow and orange or reddish markings. It has six legs, a pair of wings, and large brown eyes. The lower part of its legs (tarsi) are yellow.
It measures about 2 centimetres (up to one inch) long.
The Pertinax Dronefly is found everywhere, except the Antarctic. It likes parks, gardens, fields, and meadows. It is seen all year round.
It is called a Pertinax Dronefly or a Hoverfly because the male hovers still in the air. It chases away intruders from its territory. It is territorial.
The adult feeds on nectar from flowers. It is a pollinator, like the bee.
The female lays eggs, which hatch into larvae. The larva is a maggot, like the larva of a House Fly. The larva feeds on bacteria. When the larva is fully grown, it looks for a suitable place, such as a building, in a dark place to pupate. The adult fly then emerges.
Location of photographs: Paris, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM