Western Calligrapher
ExploreInsects
Western Calligrapher
Toxomerus occidentalis
The Western Calligrapher is a small, colorful fly that loves to hover around flowers. They are great at helping plants by spreading pollen while they sip nectar.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Western Calligrapher is a small, slender fly with vibrant yellow and black stripes across its abdomen, giving it a bee-like appearance. It has large reddish-brown eyes and a short, stout body. Unlike bees, it possesses only two wings and lacks a prominent waist.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilySyrphidaeGenusToxomerus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Female Calligraphers lay their tiny eggs right near groups of aphids.
Its zigzag patterns on the abdomen give it the name "Calligrapher."
They are excellent pollinators, visiting many flowers for nectar and pollen.
Unlike bees, these flies have very short antennae you can barely see!
Special abilities
Ability
Mimicry Shield
Western Calligrapher has bright yellow and black patterns that make it look like a stinging bee or wasp, which helps them avoid predators.
Ability
Aphid Avenger
Western Calligrapher's larvae are voracious predators that can eat hundreds of garden aphids, which helps control pest populations naturally.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 10-16 mm
- Size
- 5-8 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-90 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip nectar and pollen, while their larvae are mighty aphid hunters!
Age differences: Larvae are carnivorous, eating aphids; adults feed on nectar and pollen from flowers.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Pollen
- Aphids
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Green Peach Aphid
Myzus persicae
Larvae consume this common garden pest.
pollinates
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Adults visit its flowers for food.
eaten by
Flower Crab Spider
Misumena vatia
Hides in flowers to ambush adult flies.
Traits
Striped
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
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
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
These flies are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Western Calligrapher's wingspan?
10-16 mm
How big is Western Calligrapher?
5-8 mm
How long does Western Calligrapher live?
30-90 days
How fast can Western Calligrapher fly?
15 km/h
What does Western Calligrapher eat?
Adults sip nectar and pollen, while their larvae are mighty aphid hunters!
Where is Western Calligrapher usually found?
Urban areas
How does Western Calligrapher hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Western Calligrapher have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
_-_Gatineau_Park%2C_Quebec_2016-09-22_(02).jpg&width=800)
_on_Arctostaphylos_parryana%E2%80%94RPBG_(14636065667).jpg&width=800)
