Drone Fly

The Drone Fly closely resembles a honeybee, but it is actually a fly. It has only one pair of wings and short antennae, which reveal its true nature. Adult flies are 12 to 15 millimetres long and have a furry body with brown and orange stripes on the middle and rear sections. Unlike other similar species, this one has dark bands on its hind legs and usually looks more like a bee. Male flies have eyes that meet in the middle, while females have eyes that remain apart. This species is common and found all year round across Britain and Ireland. It lives in gardens, hedgerows, and meadows full of flowers. The adult flies feed on nectar and pollen from many types of flowers, especially those with umbrella-shaped groups or daisy-like heads. The larvae, called rat-tailed maggots, grow in still water that is rich in organic material. They can be found in places such as farmyard pools, drains, and compost heaps. This breeding habit is different from other flies in the same group.