Eastern Calligrapher vs Giant Honey Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Eastern Calligrapher Giant Honey Bee
Scientific Name Toxomerus geminatus Apis dorsata
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Syrphidae Apidae
Size 5-7 mm 17-20 mm
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions North America Asia
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.

Giant Honey Bee

The largest honey bee species, building huge exposed single-comb nests on cliff faces and tall buildings. Colonies can contain up to 100,000 workers.

💡

Did You Know?

When threatened, the colony performs a mesmerizing shimmering defense wave that ripples across the nest surface to deter predators.