ExploreInsects

Transverse-banded Flower Fly

Eristalis transversa

The Transverse-banded Flower Fly is a friendly insect that looks like a bee but is actually a fly! They love to visit flowers and help plants grow by spreading pollen.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Transverse-banded Flower Fly has a robust, hairy body with distinct yellow and black stripes across its abdomen, closely mimicking a bee or wasp. It features large reddish-brown eyes and clear, iridescent wings. Its pattern is key to distinguishing it visually.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilySyrphidaeGenusEristalis
Transverse-banded Flower Fly
striped trait badgesocial trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Transverse-banded Flower Fly

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult flower flies mostly sip sweet nectar, but they also eat protein-rich pollen for energy and growth!

Its larvae, known as “rat-tailed maggots,” live in polluted water with a long, snorkel-like breathing tube!

These flies are expert flyers, able to change direction instantly and even fly backward with amazing skill!

Unlike bees which have four wings, flower flies only have two wings, making them true flies!

Special abilities

Ability

Mimicry Master

Transverse-banded Flower Fly can avoid predators by mimicking the appearance of stinging bees and wasps, which helps them stay safe.

Ability

Hovering Navigator

Transverse-banded Flower Fly can perform incredible hovering flight, remaining stationary in mid-air, which helps them precisely navigate flowers for nectar.

Ability

Pollen Delivery System

Transverse-banded Flower Fly has hairy bodies that collect pollen, helping them transfer it between plants as they feed on nectar, aiding plant reproduction.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
15-20 mm
Size
9-13 mm
Lifespan
15-45 days
Flight Speed
8 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar and pollen from flowers, while larvae munch on decaying matter underwater.

Age differences: Larvae are aquatic filter-feeders, consuming decaying organic matter and microorganisms, unlike nectar-feeding adults.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • pollen

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Flower flies are harmless and won't sting, so you can watch them safely!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Transverse-banded Flower Fly's wingspan?

15-20 mm

How big is Transverse-banded Flower Fly?

9-13 mm

How long does Transverse-banded Flower Fly live?

15-45 days

How fast can Transverse-banded Flower Fly fly?

8 km/h

What does Transverse-banded Flower Fly eat?

Adults sip nectar and pollen from flowers, while larvae munch on decaying matter underwater.

Where is Transverse-banded Flower Fly usually found?

Urban areas

How does Transverse-banded Flower Fly hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Transverse-banded Flower Fly have?

6

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