Plain-faced Dronefly

Eristalis arbustorum

Description

Wing length 7 - 10mm. These are dark brown flies with variable amounts of yellow on the abdomen. The females are often all dark, with pale lines between the segments of the abdomen. In fresh specimens the face is pale and unstriped, but worn specimens develop a dark central stripe. The wings have a soft-edged slightly extended stigma.

Habitat

Adults visit a wide range of flowers and can be seen in almost any flowery place. The larvae develop in water, enriched with cow manure or in farmyard drains.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread over Britain. Common on the reserve.

Best time to see

April to November.

  • Plain-faced Dronefly - Eristalis arbustorum - male - July 17th 2011

  • Plain-faced Dronefly - Eristalis arbustorum - male - July 17th 2011

  • Plain-faced Dronefly - Eristalis arbustorum - male - April 14th 2012

  • Plain-faced Dronefly - Eristalis arbustorum - male - August 19th 2011

  • Plain-faced Dronefly - Eristalis arbustorum - male - May 13th 2018

  • Plain-faced Dronefly - Eristalis arbustorum - female - July 23rd 2015

  • Plain-faced Dronefly - Eristalis arbustorum - female - May 6th 2012

  • Plain-faced Dronefly - Eristalis arbustorum - female - May 6th 2012

  • Plain-faced Drone-fly - female - 9th August 2016

  • Plain-faced Drone-fly - female - 15th June 2016

  • Plain-faced Drone-fly - female - 1st May 2022

  • Plain-faced Drone-fly - female - 1st May 2022