Drone fly (hoverfly)

Gardens, meadows, fields, and other flower-rich habitats worldwide; larvae develop in stagnant, organically rich water.

Adults feed on flower nectar and pollen; larvae filter-feed on microbes and decaying organic matter in water.

Adults hover and mimic honey bees, but have only one pair of wings and do not sting. Larvae, called rat-tailed maggots, breathe through a long rear siphon.

Harmless to people; adults pollinate flowers, and larvae help break down organic matter.