Criorhinina
Guides
Sphecomyia cryptica
Sphecomyia cryptica is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) described in 2019 from the genus Sphecomyia, a group of large wasp-mimicking flies in the subtribe Criorhinina. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group, characterized by the absence of pruinose scutellar vittae. The species exhibits distinctive abdominal patterning with pruinose sternites and yellow-banded tergites. As a member of this Holarctic genus, it likely functions as a pollinator in its adult stage. Biological data remain limited due to its recent description.
Sphecomyia interrupta
Sphecomyia interrupta is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described in 2019. It is a large wasp mimic within the Holarctic genus Sphecomyia, belonging to the S. vittata species group. The species is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a completely pruinose scutellum without a black posterior rim, an interrupted medial facial vitta, and specific antennal segment proportions. Like other members of subtribe Criorhinina, it likely exhibits Batesian mimicry of stinging wasps.
Sphecomyia oraria
Sphecomyia oraria is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) described in 2019. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group within the Holarctic genus Sphecomyia, which comprises large wasp-mimicking flies in subtribe Criorhinina. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of vespid wasps, particularly yellowjackets. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to have larvae that develop in rotting wood or tree holes, though this has not been confirmed for S. oraria specifically.
Sphecomyia pattonii
Patton's Yellowjacket Fly
Sphecomyia pattonii is a large wasp-mimicking syrphid fly in the subtribe Criorhinina, originally described by Williston in 1882. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group, distinguished from congeners by the absence of pruinose scutellar vittae. The species exhibits classic yellowjacket mimicry, including coloration, body form, and flight behavior similar to Vespula queens. As with other members of its subtribe, the larval stage likely develops in decaying wood or rot holes, though this remains unconfirmed for this species.
Sphecomyia vittata
Long-horned Yellowjacket Fly
Sphecomyia vittata is a large, striking syrphid fly known for its exceptional mimicry of yellowjacket wasps. It possesses unusually long, thick antennae for a fly—longer than the head depth in lateral view—which enhances its resemblance to vespid wasps. The species belongs to the S. vittata species group within subtribe Criorhinina, characterized by pruinose scutellar vittae and specific thoracic pruinosity patterns. Adults are flower visitors, though detailed natural history remains poorly documented. The species has a Holarctic distribution with concentration in eastern North America.
Sphecomyia weismani
Sphecomyia weismani is a hoverfly species described in 2019, one of seven new species identified during a comprehensive revision of the genus Sphecomyia. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group, distinguished from other Sphecomyia by the absence of pruinose scutellar vittae. The species is a wasp mimic, exhibiting the characteristic large size and yellow-and-black coloration typical of this Holarctic genus. Like other members of subtribe Criorhinina, it likely develops in decaying wood or rot holes, though specific larval biology remains undocumented.