Temnostoma barberi

Curran, 1939

Bare-bellied Falsehorn

Temnostoma barberi is a Nearctic syrphid fly (hoverfly) described by Curran in 1939. The exhibits of hymenopterans, with showing behavioral mimicry by moving their forelegs in front of the to simulate . It is closely related to T. daochus, and both species form a lineage sister to the rest of the Temnostoma. The species has a strikingly different mimicry pattern compared to T. daochus, contributing to understanding of evolutionary plasticity in wasp mimicry.

Temnostoma barberi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Temnostoma barberi: /tɛm.nəˈstoʊ.mə ˈbɑr.bɛ.ri/

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Identification

are mimics with darkened leading edge of wings that mimics the longitudinal folds of vespid wasp wings at rest. Distinguished from other Temnostoma by specific mimicry pattern details; T. barberi and T. daochus share a lineage but exhibit strikingly different mimicry patterns. The forelegs are waved in front of the to simulate wasp , a key behavioral identification feature.

Images

Distribution

Nearctic region; specifically recorded from the eastern half of the United States and adjacent areas of Canada. GBIF records indicate presence in Vermont, USA.

Life Cycle

Larvae burrow in moist decayed wood.

Behavior

exhibit behavioral mimicry of hymenopteran by waving forelegs in front of the . This is a plesiomorphic inherited from the common ancestor of Temnostoma and Takaomyia. Adults are strong mimics.

Similar Taxa

Temnostoma daochusClosely related sister forming a lineage with T. barberi that is sister to the rest of the ; exhibits strikingly different mimicry pattern despite close phylogenetic relationship
Other Temnostoma speciesShare the -level trait of behavioral mimicry but differ in specific color pattern and degree of mimicry perfection

More Details

Evolutionary significance

T. barberi represents an important case study in the evolution of . Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the dark color pattern (imperfect mimicry) is ancestral in Temnostoma, with perfect mimicry evolving independently twice within the . The demonstrates high evolutionary plasticity in morphological characters related to mimicry.

Phylogenetic position

Molecular based on six markers (COI, 28s rRNA, AATS, CK1, TULP, and RBP-15) places T. barberi and T. daochus as sister to all other Temnostoma , with the Temnostoma sister to Takaomyia.