Drone Fly - female

Description:

Also known as the European hoverfly, the drone fly was an introduced species to North America and has become widely established. They are honey bee mimics, which protects them against predators. This is one species of Syrphid fly known to have aquatic larvae known as rat-tailed maggots. The larvae have specialized breathing tubes on the posterior end which allow them to develop underwater, usually in drainage ditches, sewage and polluted water with organic matter. Adult drone flies frequently visit flowers and are beneficial pollinators.

Habitat:

Worldwide. Areas of stagnant water and flowering plants.