Eastern Calligrapher vs Black-Tailed Deer Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eastern Calligrapher | Black-Tailed Deer Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Toxomerus geminatus | Chrysops niger |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Tabanidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Wetlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Northeastern United States and southeastern Canada |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Eastern Calligrapher
A tiny hoverfly with intricate black calligraphic markings on a yellow abdomen. It is one of the most abundant flower flies in eastern North America.
Did You Know?
Despite its small size, it is one of the most effective aphid predators in North American gardens.
Black-Tailed Deer Fly
A small dark deer fly with mostly blackened wings and green iridescent eyes. It is an aggressive daytime biter commonly encountered near wooded wetlands.
Did You Know?
It is most active during overcast humid days and tends to bite repeatedly if swatted away without being killed.