Temnostoma alternans
Loew, 1864
Wasp-like Falsehorn
Temnostoma alternans, commonly known as the -like Falsehorn, is a of found throughout northern and central United States and Canada. are flower-visiting that obtain nectar and pollen from blossoms. The species exhibits elaborate of solitary , including darkened margins that resemble the folded wings of wasps and distinctive leg-waving that mimics wasp . develop in moist decayed wood.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Temnostoma alternans: /tɛmˈnɔstɔma ælˈtɜrnænz/
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Identification
Temnostoma alternans can be distinguished from other by its extreme : the leading edge of the is darkened, simulating the longitudinal folds of wasp wings at rest. When at rest, individuals wave their pair of legs in front of the , creating the illusion of long wasp . The is likely to be confused with other Temnostoma species, which share this -level mimicry ; precise identification may require examination of specific morphological details.
Images
Habitat
are found in woodland edges and areas with flowering vegetation. inhabit moist decayed wood, including rotting logs and stumps.
Distribution
Northern and central United States; widespread in Canada. Specific records include Vermont.
Seasonality
have been observed in May; likely active during spring and summer months when flowers are available.
Diet
feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. Larval diet unknown but likely involves decomposing wood material or associated microorganisms.
Host Associations
- Ancistrocerus sp. - modelSolitary in the are the likely visual models for Temnostoma
Life Cycle
with larval stage in moist decayed wood. Specific details of , pupal, and larval development stages are not documented.
Behavior
exhibit hovering typical of and can remain nearly motionless in air. The performs distinctive leg-waving : when at rest, the pair of legs is waved in front of the to simulate . Adults are commonly found on flowers.
Ecological Role
may contribute to through flower visitation. likely contribute to wood decomposition in forest .
Similar Taxa
- Sphecomyia vittataBoth are with extreme , but Sphecomyia vittata possesses unusually long, thick for a fly and mimics yellowjackets in rather than
- Somula decoraAnother mimic, but larger (-sized), heavily marked with golden , and likely mimics scoliid wasps or yellowjackets rather than
- Chalcosyrphus speciesRelated with wood-inhabiting and , but typically mimic () or other solitary wasps and may flick while running on surfaces
More Details
Mimicry specialization
Temnostoma represent one of the most specialized cases of in , extending to behavioral modifications (leg-waving) and (darkened ) that precisely match wasp characteristics