Size comparison
This Calligrapher fly (Toxomerus marginatus) or Marginated caligrapher fly is in the Hover fly family. Its body is almost the same size as the blossom on this Thread leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata). They are native to the Ozarks and seem to do well protected under other larger shrubs. The North Carolina Extension says this, " Plants thrive in infertile sandy and rocky soils and tolerate drought, low levels of salt, infertile soil, heat, and humidity." That about sums up the Ozark plateau's environment.
Size comparison
This Calligrapher fly (Toxomerus marginatus) or Marginated caligrapher fly is in the Hover fly family. Its body is almost the same size as the blossom on this Thread leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata). They are native to the Ozarks and seem to do well protected under other larger shrubs. The North Carolina Extension says this, " Plants thrive in infertile sandy and rocky soils and tolerate drought, low levels of salt, infertile soil, heat, and humidity." That about sums up the Ozark plateau's environment.