Toxomerus boscii

(Macquart, 1842)

Thin-lined Calligrapher

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

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

Pronunciation

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

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Identification

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

Images

Human Relevance

are harmless that may visit flowers in gardens and agricultural settings. Frequently mistaken for sweat bees 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 wing count (one pair vs. two), length, and mouthpart structure