A small black and yellow flower fly about 3/8 inch (8 mm) long with reddish brown eyes, yellow legs, brown thorax with a central silver stripe. The abdomen is distinctively patterned with black, yellow and silver banding. Wings are normally held flat and extended to the side while at rest.
This species of flower fly is widely distributed throughout southern Canada into central and south america and the West Indies. It may be common in this area although, according to experts, not as common as T. geminatus and T. marginatus, both present in this area. This fly takes nectar from flowers. The photograph was taken on 1 August 2016 in the restored pollinator garden on the wetlands boardwalk.
The larvae are found on corn and eat pollen from corn tassels. Mature larvae are about 1/2 inch (9-12 mm) long. The larvae at all stages are highly camouflaged from predators. There are thirteen species in the genus Toxomerus in North America.
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