Common Drone Fly

Gardens, meadows, and areas with stagnant water or decaying organic matter

Adults feed on nectar and pollen; larvae (rat-tailed maggots) consume decaying organic material in stagnant water

Known for hovering in place; mimics honey bees to deter predators (Batesian mimicry); larvae breathe through a long, telescopic tail tube

Benefits the ecosystem as a significant pollinator; larvae help decompose organic waste; no sting threat to humans