Hymenoptera-mimicry
Guides
Harpactorini
Harpactorini is the most diverse tribe within the assassin bug family Reduviidae, containing 289 genera and approximately 2000 species globally. The tribe is distinguished by several genera exhibiting exaggerated pronotal modifications, including the wheel-shaped pronotum of Arilus and the strongly raised, divided posterior pronotal lobe in Ulpius. Many species engage in wasp mimicry, resembling Hymenoptera through body shape, coloration, and wing patterns. Sexual dimorphism is common, with differences in size, body configuration, eye size, and antennal structure between males and females.
Microdontinae
Ant Flies and Allies
A subfamily of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately 400 species, distinguished by their obligate myrmecophilous lifestyle. Larvae develop within ant nests as predators or scavengers of ant brood, exhibiting reduced body segmentation compared to other syrphid larvae. Adults of many species remain near host ant colonies rather than visiting flowers; some species lack functional mouthparts entirely. Several genera lack the spurious vein characteristic of other Syrphidae.
Sesiidae
Clearwing Moths
Sesiidae, known as clearwing moths, is a family of diurnal moths in the order Lepidoptera comprising 165 genera and over 1,500 species. The family is distinguished by Batesian mimicry of Hymenoptera, with transparent wing areas created by reduced scaling, elongated bodies, and wasp-like coloration and flight behavior. Most species are tropical, though significant diversity occurs in the Holarctic region including over 100 European species. Larvae are concealed borers in wood, stems, or roots, with some species causing serious economic damage to fruit trees, timber, and crops.
Synanthedonini
clearwing moths
Synanthedonini is a tribe of clearwing moths within the family Sesiidae, characterized by wasp-mimicking appearance and larval boring habits in plant tissues. Members exhibit diverse host plant associations across multiple families including Lauraceae, Fagaceae, Rosaceae, Fabaceae, and Proteaceae. The tribe has been documented across North America, Central and South America, Taiwan, and other regions, with several species recognized as economically significant pests of ornamental and native plants. Molecular studies using COI barcoding support species-level identification but reveal phylogenetic complexities, including the atypical placement of some genera previously separated based on morphology.