Toxomerus boscii

(Macquart, 1842)

Thin-lined Calligrapher

Toxomerus boscii is a small commonly known as the Thin-lined Calligrapher. are known that visit flowers for nectar. The belongs to a whose members were historically assumed to have predatory , though some Toxomerus species have been found to feed on pollen.

Toxomerus boscii by (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Toxomerus boscii by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jade Fortnash. Used under a CC0 license.

Toxomerus boscii by (c) Richard Stovall, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Richard Stovall. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Toxomerus boscii: /tɔkˈsɒmɛrəs ˈbɒski.aɪ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Small, slender with distinctive thin abdominal markings. Separated from similar Toxomerus by specific pattern details on ; precise identification often requires examination of terminalia. Distinguished from and by single pair of , short , and hovering .

Images

Human Relevance

are harmless that may visit flowers in gardens and agricultural settings. Frequently mistaken for sweat due to small size and flower-visiting .

Similar Taxa

Toxomerus geminatusSimilar small size and general appearance; distinguished by specific abdominal pattern differences
Sweat bees (Halictidae)Convergent appearance and flower-visiting ; distinguished by count (one pair vs. two), length, and mouthpart structure