# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 13 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Transverse-banded Flower Fly](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Transverse_Flower_Fly_%28Eristalis_transversa%29_-_MacGregor_Point_Provincial_Park_01.jpg&width=800) Photo: Ryan Hodnett, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Transverse_Flower_Fly_%28Eristalis_transversa%29_-_MacGregor_Point_Provincial_Park_01.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Syrphidae - **Genus:** Eristalis ## 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 - **Mimicry Master:** Transverse-banded Flower Fly can avoid predators by mimicking the appearance of stinging bees and wasps, which helps them stay safe. - **Hovering Navigator:** Transverse-banded Flower Fly can perform incredible hovering flight, remaining stationary in mid-air, which helps them precisely navigate flowers for nectar. - **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 - **Pollinates:** [Common Dandelion](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-dandelion) (*Taraxacum officinale*) — visits its bright yellow flowers for nectar and pollen. - **Pollinates:** [Canada Goldenrod](https://www.snappit.app/explore/canada-goldenrod) (*Solidago canadensis*) — helps transfer pollen between its numerous small flowers. - **Eaten by:** [Black-capped Chickadee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-capped-chickadee) (*Poecile atricapillus*) — a common bird predator in North American habitats. ## Traits - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Flower flies are harmless and won't sting, so you can watch them safely! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Transverse-banded Flower Fly? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Cleveland Cultural Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cleveland-cultural-gardens) — Ohio, US · Park - [Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/dubuque-arboretum-and-botanical-gardens) — Iowa, US · Botanical Garden - [Fort Tryon Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-tryon-park) — New York, US · Park - [Kent Gardens Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kent-gardens-park) — Virginia, US · Park - [Long Ridge Village Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/long-ridge-village-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Norman Bird Sanctuary](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/norman-bird-sanctuary) — Rhode Island, US · Nature Reserve [View all places to see Transverse-banded Flower Fly](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/transverse-banded-flower-fly) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Transverse-banded Flower Fly Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/transverse-banded-flower-fly)