Eastern Calligrapher vs Dotted Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eastern Calligrapher | Dotted Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Toxomerus geminatus | Bombylius discolor |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| 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.
Dotted Bee Fly
A spring-flying bee fly distinguished from its commoner relative by spotted wings and a darker fur coat. Its larvae parasitize mining bee larvae of the genus Andrena.
Did You Know?
It appears only in spring for a few weeks, closely tracking the flight season of its specific Andrena bee hosts.