Fly With Bee Colors - Eristalis tenax

Bee mimic - nice find!

I think it's a syrphid, but can't tell for sure, as it looks different than any I've seen here in California. Syrphids also mimic hornets and wasps.

If you have a shot from above, it will aid in ID. (Wing veins are very important in flies. Patterns on the back are important on syrphids.)

… Ron Hemberger, 30 July, 2008 - 1:15pm

It can't be a syrphid. The f

It can't be a syrphid. The fly was a little bigger than a worker honey bee. The other person said a drone fly. Looks more like that, but had more fuzz

… Paul Celano, 30 July, 2008 - 1:30pm

Andy knows his flies and nailed this one.

Before I lose track, some syrphids are on the large side. (Narcissus bulb fly comes to mind; check it when you get a chance.) But sure, lots are small. A special wing vein says "syrphid" loud and clear.

I'm a little embarassed here, as I've shot this fly, and even shot it from the side. However, my photo throughly sucked and your good shot didn't look familiar to me. (Color my face red.)

So here's another - yours being the first I've noticed - stellar image of the drone fly. And yeah, it's a syrphid.

… Ron Hemberger, 30 July, 2008 - 1:35pm

hmm I see. Now that I rememb

hmm I see. Now that I remember, the wings are the same...hmm...Guess it is a drone fly

… Paul Celano, 30 July, 2008 - 2:00pm

Paul, if you get a chance, drop me an email.

I read your journal and have a suggestion. My address is with my bio here.

… Ron Hemberger, 30 July, 2008 - 7:15pm

Isn't this the Drone Fly, Eristalis tenax, a dead-on honey bee mimic?

… Andy Calderwood, 30 July, 2008 - 1:24pm