About Toxomerus occidentalis Curran, 1922
Toxomerus occidentalis Curran, 1922, commonly called the Western Calligrapher, is a common syrphid fly species. It is found in western North America, ranging from British Columbia south to California, Colorado, and Texas. Syrphid flies are also referred to as Hover Flies or Flower Flies, because adult flies are often seen hovering around flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. Adult Toxomerus occidentalis look very similar to the Eastern Calligrapher. The larvae of this species are predators that feed on a variety of aphids and mites.
