Polybiomyia bellardii
Shannon, 1925
Red-legged Wasp Fly
A small () known for its striking -mimicking appearance. The exhibits of wasps, with a slender body and contrasting coloration. have been documented across multiple observations, though detailed biological studies remain limited. The refers to its distinctive red leg coloration.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Polybiomyia bellardii: /ˌpɒlɪbaɪˈoʊmiə bəˈlɑrdi.aɪ/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar by combination of: slender elongated body with -like (constricted waist); red or reddish-orange legs contrasting with darker body; banded with and black patterning; and single pair of () with characteristic syrphid including . Separated from actual wasps by: lack of narrow petiole between and abdomen (constriction is illusion created by color pattern); single pair of wings versus two pairs in ; and absence of .
Images
Distribution
Recorded from the Americas; specific range details require further verification from primary sources.
Similar Taxa
- Polybiomyia schnableiCongeneric with similar -mimicking ; distinguished by subtle differences in abdominal pattern and leg coloration
- Spilomyia spp.Other mimics with banded ; Spilomyia generally have broader bodies and different patterns
- Vespula spp. (yellowjacket wasps) target; distinguished by two pairs, , and functional