Common drone fly

Gardens, meadows, farmland, and other flower-rich habitats worldwide, especially near water or decaying organic matter.

Adults feed on nectar and pollen, visiting flowers for energy and pollination. Larvae consume microorganisms and organic matter in stagnant, oxygen-poor water.

A strong bee mimic with hovering flight; adults often bask and patrol sunny areas. Larvae, called rat-tailed maggots, develop in polluted water and breathe through a long posterior siphon.

Harmless to people and incapable of stinging; occasional accidental contamination of food is possible. Adults are effective pollinators, while larvae help decompose organic waste.