The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Band-eyed Drone Fly
Afrikaans name:
Photo © Steven Herbert
Eristalinus taeniops
This little insect has the most amazing eyes which are barred in black and yellow!
The Band-eyed Drone Fly apparently prefers white and yellow flowers (which doesn't explain why I found my one on a pinkish-red flower).
Although it looks like a bee this insect is harmless.
Amazingly this little creature is found across Africa and even in parts of Europe and Asia. It has been introduced into North America.