May 15, 2026

Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) in bloom right now. Such lovely, rich colors! If you look carefully at this photo, you might notice a tiny insect that resembles a bee, gathering pollen and nectar.

Here is a better look at the critter, a Margined Calligrapher Fly (Toxomerus marginatus), a type of Flower Fly. They enjoy the pollen and nectar of Spiderwort flowers. Beneficial insects, their larvae consume aphids and spider mites.

Glad that they’re helping to eliminate those pests!

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