March Fly vs Eastern Calligrapher

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute March Fly Eastern Calligrapher
Scientific Name Bibio marci Toxomerus geminatus
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Bibionidae Syrphidae
Size 10-13 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

March Fly

A common black fly that swarms in large numbers around Saint Marks Day in April.

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Did You Know?

Mating pairs fly joined together with the smaller male dangling beneath the female.

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.

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Did You Know?

Despite its small size, it is one of the most effective aphid predators in North American gardens.