Sphex-mimic
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Chalcosyrphus plesia
Black-hipped Leafwalker
Chalcosyrphus plesia, known as the black-hipped leafwalker, is an uncommon syrphid fly found in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The species is a documented mimic of the digger wasp Sphex nudus. Unlike many syrphids that hover at flowers, this species exhibits behavioral and morphological adaptations associated with dead wood habitats. The specific epithet "plesia" and common name "black-hipped leafwalker" refer to distinctive dark coloration on the posterior body region.