Tapered Drone Fly

The Tapered Drone Fly is a common type of hoverfly. It can be recognised by its slimmer, tapered abdomen and the orange-brown colour on its body segments. Its face has pale vertical stripes, and the back legs have pale markings. Male flies have eyes that meet at the top of their head, while females have a space between their eyes. This fly is found all over the British Isles. It is often seen in gardens, hedgerows, edges of woodlands, and near wetlands from early spring to late autumn. Adult flies frequently visit flowers, especially those with umbrella-shaped clusters and garden flowers. The larvae grow in water that is rich in organic material and usually still. This includes farmyard drains, compost heaps, and dirty ditches. They can survive in very foul conditions.