Maize Flower Fly (Toxomerus politus). This was a challenge to figure out this exact species. But perhaps the challenge is nearly all the fun!

These attractive flies enjoy being around us for our sweat, which provides them a source of water and salt. But it is not a Sweat Bee (Halictidae). Keep in mind, flies have one set of wings, and bees have two sets. Flies’ wings are straight out to the side when the fly is at rest, and bees’ wings are folded up over their body when at rest. The antennae on flies are small, and the antennae on bees are lengthy.

These little Maize Flower Flies are often found around corn plants. Their larvae do us a favor by eating soft-bodied pests like aphids. As adults they eat nectar and pollen. Measuring in at about 1/3 inch in length.

I came upon this Flower Fly up in Shenandoah National Park two weeks ago. They’re native to North America, Central America, and South America.

And who would have thought that a fly could be so lovely.

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