Maize Calligrapher
Toxomerus politus
While most hoverfly larvae are voracious predators of aphids, the Maize Calligrapher is one of the few species whose larvae are herbivorous, feeding on corn pollen.
- Scientific name
- Toxomerus politus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Diptera › Syrphidae › Toxomerus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Agricultural fields, maize crops, grassy meadows, and backyard gardens.
- Diet
- Adults feed on nectar and pollen; larvae are unusual among syrphids for feeding directly on plant pollen, particularly maize.
- Range
- North America, Central America, Caribbean
- Size
- 6 to 8 mm in length
- Lifespan
- 1 to 2 months
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Widespread pesticide application, loss of wild field margins, and intensive monoculture farming.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. Despite their wasp-like yellow and black stripes, Maize Calligraphers are completely stingless and bite-free hoverflies. You can safely observe them from inches away as they hover motionless in mid-air. If one lands on you, it is likely just drinking your sweat for minerals; simply enjoy the encounter or gently blow on it to encourage it to fly away.
Toxomerus politus is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae). It is known from North, Central and South America. Although little is known about the early stages of this species, associations with corn have been noted. The adults and likely the larvae feed on the pollen of the corn plants.
Photo: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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