# Margined Calligrapher

*Toxomerus marginatus*

Their name 'Calligrapher' comes from the intricate, ink-like black markings on their yellow abdomens.

- **Taxonomy:** Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Diptera › Syrphidae › Toxomerus
- **IUCN Red List status:** Least Concern
- **Population trend:** stable
- **Biome:** grassland
- **Habitat:** Meadows, gardens, agricultural fields, and forest edges.
- **Diet:** Adults feed on pollen and nectar; larvae prey on aphids and thrips.
- **Range:** North America, Central America
- **Size:** 5 to 6 mm in length
- **Lifespan:** 1 to 2 months as adults
- **Active:** diurnal
- **Threats:** Widespread pesticide use and loss of wildflower-rich grasslands.
- **Safe to approach?:** Harmless. Margined Calligraphers mimic wasps to deter predators but lack any stinger or bite. They may land on your skin to drink salty sweat. Observe them closely without fear; no medical action is ever needed.

## About

Toxomerus marginatus , is a common species of hoverfly. It is found in many parts of North America.

## Sources

- Plate: https://gaia-dex.com/species/70af557a-504f-45fe-bfca-4b1aee790f98
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/126889
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxomerus marginatus
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List category, as recorded by Gaia-Dex
- Photo: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/7594978/medium.jpg (Jesse Rorabaugh, CC0, via iNaturalist)

Habitat, diet, size and similar notes are AI-written summaries; check them against the linked sources before relying on them.