Country intro
Bee mimic syrphid (Eristalis tenax)
Not long introduced to this country I thought it was a bee at first.. then noticed the broken bands on the abdomen.
Already quite widespread in Australia. Seems quite adaptable as I suspect this acacia flower is not a co-evolved food plant.
About the size of Apis mellifera (also introduced here) 22mm long.
"Eristalis tenax" is a common, migratory, cosmopolitan species of hover fly. It is the most widely distributed syrphid species in the world, and is known from all regions except the Antarctic. It has been introduced into North America and is widely established. It can be found in gardens and fields in Europe and Australia. It has also been found in the Himalayas.
Similar species: True Flies
By Mark Ridgway
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Uploaded Mar 20, 2016. Captured Aug 15, 2014 22:10 in 19 Glenfern Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156, Australia.
