Bee-mimicry
Guides
Acmaeodera macra
metallic wood-boring beetle
Acmaeodera macra is a species of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) notable for its unusual fall activity period, occurring from late August through September when most North American Acmaeodera species have finished their seasonal activity. Adults are medium-sized with black coloration, bronzy sheen, and typically eight small yellow spots arranged in two longitudinal rows on each elytron. The species occurs across the southern Great Plains and southwestern United States, with its northernmost records in northwestern Oklahoma.
Cuterebra fontinella
mouse bot fly
Cuterebra fontinella, commonly known as the mouse bot fly, is a New World oestrid fly that parasitizes small mammals, particularly the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus). Adults are short-lived, non-feeding, and resemble bumble bees in appearance. Females lay eggs on vegetation near host burrows; larvae enter through natural orifices or wounds, migrate internally, and develop subcutaneous warbles typically located in the inguinal region. The species exhibits bimodal seasonal activity with summer and autumn population peaks. Though primarily a rodent parasite, rare human cases of myiasis have been documented.
Dilophonotini
Dilophonotini is a tribe of hawk moths (family Sphingidae) containing approximately 25 genera divided into two subtribes: Dilophonotina and Hemarina. The tribe includes both day-flying and crepuscular species, with Hemaris (clearwing moths) being particularly notable for their transparent wings and bee-mimicry. Members range from small to medium-sized sphingids with diverse wing patterns and body forms adapted to varied ecological niches.
Euphoria devulsa
Euphoria devulsa is a species of flower chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. The species was described by Horn in 1880 and is accepted as valid. It belongs to the genus Euphoria, a group of colorful scarab beetles commonly known as flower chafers or bumble flower beetles. Members of this genus are known for their bee-mimicking flight behavior and attraction to fermenting sap flows on trees.
Limacodidae
slug caterpillar moths, slug moths, cup moths
Limacodidae, commonly called slug caterpillar moths or cup moths, is a family of approximately 1800 described species of moths distributed worldwide with greatest diversity in tropical regions. The family derives its common name from the distinctive larval form: caterpillars are dorsoventrally flattened and move using ventral suckers rather than prolegs, resembling slugs in appearance and locomotion. Many larvae possess urticating spines or hairs capable of delivering painful stings. The family is also called "cup moths" for the distinctive circular, calcium-hardened cocoons constructed by larvae.
Trichiotinus piger
Bee-like Flower Scarab, Hairy Flower Chafer
Trichiotinus piger is a flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the bee-like flower scarab or hairy flower chafer. Adults are active during summer months and feed on pollen and nectar from flowers of various deciduous trees and shrubs. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America, from southern Canada through the eastern United States. Larvae develop in soil, feeding on plant roots over a multi-year period before pupating.
Xenox tigrinus
Tiger Bee Fly
Xenox tigrinus, commonly known as the tiger bee fly, is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae native to eastern North America. Adults are notable for their distinctive wing pattern resembling tiger stripes, their bee-mimicking appearance, and their role as specialized parasitoids of carpenter bee larvae. The species is frequently observed near wooden structures where its host, the eastern carpenter bee (Xylocopa virginica), nests.