Temnostoma venustum
Williston, 1887
black-banded falsehorn
Temnostoma venustum is a rare () found in the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. are mimics with darkened margins and leg-waving that simulates wasp . develop in moist decayed wood.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Temnostoma venustum: /tɛmˈnɔstɔma vɛˈnʊstʊm/
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Identification
in the Temnostoma are distinguished by darkened leading margins that mimic the folded wings of at rest. They wave their legs in front of the to simulate wasp , compensating for their short dipteran antennae. Specific identification of T. venustum requires detailed examination.
Images
Habitat
Woodland edges and forested areas with moist decayed wood for larval development. frequent flowers.
Distribution
Northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. Documented from Vermont.
Diet
feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. Larval diet in decayed wood is not specified for this .
Life Cycle
burrow in moist decayed wood. stage visits flowers.
Behavior
exhibit - : waving legs to simulate wasp . is nearly motionless hovering typical of .
Ecological Role
may contribute to through flower visitation. contribute to wood decomposition.
Similar Taxa
- Temnostoma spp.Other in share - traits including darkened margins and leg-waving ; require microscopic examination for separation.
- Sphecomyia vittataAnother mimic with longer, thicker than Temnostoma; distinguished by more antennal rather than leg-waving.
- Ancistrocerus spp. (mason wasps)The putative model for Temnostoma ; distinguished by true features including long , two pairs of , and stinging capability.
More Details
Mimicry sophistication
Temnostoma carry to extreme lengths, including behavioral mimicry through leg-waving that compensates for the morphological limitation of short dipteran .