Drone fly (male)

Eristalis tenax is an excellent example of a honey bee mimic. Some noticeable differences: though the coloration is similar - the band pattern on the abdomen is not. Larger eyes for the dronefly. Honeybees have four wings and drone fly only two (the hover flies hind wings have been reduced to balancing organs). The articulated control of its wings give the hoverfly its exceptional flying abilities. Pics 4 and 5 shows its left wing in a vertical position to widen its peripheral vision.