Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) (1/7)

Diptera: Syrphidae

Eristalis tenax  

Also known as a Rat-tailed Maggot Fly, so named for the fly's larvae (maggots) which live in organically polluted water and have a long rat-tail-like breathing tube.

The name Drone Fly apparently derives from the insect's mimicry of a bee drone. If you don't have any significant weapons yourself, a very unpleasant sting for example , obtaining respect from potential predators by looking like something that does have such a weapon is a useful strategy.