Stratiomys currani

Members of the genus Stratiomys can be distinguished from similar wasp-mimicking flies by their wing venation with a characteristic discal cell, and the presence of spines on the scutellum. They differ from syrphid flies (Syrphidae) by having the posterior spiracle of the puparium located on a distinct spine, and from vespid wasps by possessing only one pair of functional wings (the hindwings reduced to halteres) and lacking a constricted wasp waist. Specific identification of S. currani requires examination of detailed morphological characters not described in available sources.

The distribution of Stratiomys currani has not been documented in available sources. The genus Stratiomys has a Holarctic distribution with some species extending into the Neotropics.

• Hoplitimyia mutabilisSimilar black and yellow wasp-mimic coloration and body form; both are stratiomyid flies that can be mistaken for vespid wasps. Hoplitimyia species have been noted as particularly flighty and difficult to photograph, a behavioral trait that may apply to Stratiomys species as well.
• Syrphidae (hoverflies)Many syrphid species exhibit similar yellow and black wasp-mimic coloration and share flower-visiting behavior. They differ in wing venation (typically with a spurious vein), and generally have large eyes that often meet at the top of the head in males.
• Vespidae (paper wasps, yellowjackets)True wasps share the aposematic black and yellow coloration but possess two pairs of wings, a narrow petiole (wasp waist), and chewing mouthparts. Stratiomys currani, as a dipteran, has only one pair of wings and lacks the constricted waist.

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