Spider-wasp-mimic
Guides
Mydas clavatus
Clubbed Mydas Fly
Mydas clavatus is a large, striking mydas fly native to temperate eastern North America. Adults are notable Batesian mimics of spider wasps, displaying bold behavior enabled by their wasp-like appearance. The species is distinguished by a prominent orange to red abdominal marking and clubbed antennae—a trait shared across the genus. Adults are active in mid-summer and have been documented visiting diverse flowering plants for nectar.
Batesian-mimicrywasp-mimicpollinatorwoodboring-predatorMydidaeDipteraeastern-North-Americamid-summernectar-feederscarab-beetle-predatorclubbed-antennaeorange-abdominal-markingspider-wasp-mimicharmlessconspicuousbold-behaviormock-stinging-displayheart-rot-habitatOsmoderma-predatorflowering-plant-visitorlarge-flyglabrate-bodytemperate-forestmeadowgarden-visitordeciduous-woodlandMydas floridensis
Mydas floridensis is a species of mydas fly (family Mydidae) described in 1989. The genus Mydas contains some of the largest flies in North America. Members of this family are often Batesian mimics of spider wasps (Pompilidae), displaying bold black and orange or red coloration that allows them to fly conspicuously in open habitats. The specific epithet 'floridensis' indicates a type locality or primary distribution in Florida.
Mydas xanthopterus
Mydas xanthopterus is a species of mydas fly in the family Mydidae. It occurs in North America, specifically in Mexico and the United States. The species is notable for its resemblance to red-winged Pepsis spider wasps, suggesting possible Batesian mimicry. It occurs in sympatry with Pepsis grossa, a large spider wasp species.
Osminiini
clearwing moths (tribe)
Osminiini is a tribe of clearwing moths within the family Sesiidae, established by Duckworth & Eichlin in 1977. Members are characterized by Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera, including spider wasps (Pompilidae) and bees. The tribe includes genera such as Melanosphecia, Akaisphecia, and Heterosphecia. Species exhibit specialized morphological adaptations including metallic coloration, transparent wings, long hind legs, and wasp-waist illusions that enhance their resemblance to hymenopteran models.