The Drone Fly is a large, robust hoverfly that closely mimics a honey bee drone, complete with similar size, coloring, and buzzing flight. Its larvae are the famous 'rat-tailed maggots' — aquatic grubs that breathe through a long extendable tail tube in anaerobic sewage and manure pools. Adults are important pollinators and one of the first hoverflies seen in spring.
Habitat
Gardens, meadows, and anywhere flowers are abundant
Diet
Larvae: bacteria in aquatic organic-rich water. Adults: pollen and nectar
How common
Common
Recent Drone Fly sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Drone Fly? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free