Mason-wasp-mimic
Guides
Temnostoma alternans
Wasp-like Falsehorn
Temnostoma alternans, commonly known as the Wasp-like Falsehorn, is a species of syrphid fly found throughout northern and central United States and Canada. Adults are flower-visiting hoverflies that obtain nectar and pollen from blossoms. The species exhibits elaborate mimicry of solitary mason wasps, including darkened wing margins that resemble the folded wings of vespid wasps and distinctive leg-waving behavior that mimics wasp antennae. Larvae develop in moist decayed wood.
Temnostoma daochus
Yellow-spotted Falsehorn
Temnostoma daochus is a rare syrphid fly species in the eastern United States, notable for its elaborate Batesian mimicry of solitary mason wasps. It exhibits both morphological and behavioral mimicry, including darkened wing edges that imitate vespid wing folds and deliberate foreleg movements that mimic wasp antennae. The species is closely related to T. barberi, with which it forms a lineage sister to the rest of the genus. Larvae develop in moist decayed wood.