Wasp-mimic
Guides
Agrotis rileyana
Riley's cutworm, Riley's dart moth
Agrotis rileyana is a species of cutworm moth in the family Noctuidae, described by Morrison in 1874. The species belongs to the genus Agrotis, a large group of noctuid moths commonly known as dart moths or cutworms whose larvae are significant agricultural pests. Adults are active in late summer. The species is native to North America with records from the Canadian prairie provinces.
Albuna beutenmuelleri
Albuna beutenmuelleri is a species of clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by Skinner in 1903. It belongs to a genus of moths that exhibit wasp mimicry through transparent wings and banded abdomens. The species is part of the Nearctic fauna and has been documented through limited observations.
Albuna fraxini
Virginia Creeper Clearwing
Albuna fraxini, commonly known as the Virginia Creeper Clearwing, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. The species is native to the northern United States and southern Canada. Adults are active during summer months and are notable for their wasp-mimicking appearance. The larvae develop within the stems of woody host plants including Virginia creeper and various ash species.
Alcathoe autumnalis
Alcathoe autumnalis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, first described by Engelhardt in 1946. The species exhibits the characteristic wasp-mimicking appearance typical of sesiid moths, with reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent or 'clearwing' effect. It is known from the Nearctic region, with records from north-central United States. The species appears to be active in autumn, as suggested by its specific epithet.
Alcathoe carolinensis
Alcathoe carolinensis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, first described from the Carolinas region of the southeastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits wasp mimicry with reduced wing scaling that creates transparent areas. The species is part of a small genus of New World tropical clearwing moths that extends into the southern United States. Males possess distinctive morphological features including specialized abdominal appendages.
Alcathoe pepsioides
Alcathoe pepsioides is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, known for its striking wasp mimicry. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and is one of five Alcathoe species found north of Mexico. Males possess a distinctive single tail-like abdominal appendage that approximates the dangling legs of spider wasps. The genus is otherwise restricted to the New World tropics.
Alcathoe verrugo
Alcathoe verrugo is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, native to the New World tropics and southern United States. Like other sesiids, it exhibits wasp mimicry, with transparent wings and a slender body that resembles hymenopterans in flight. The genus Alcathoe contains five species north of Mexico, all rarely encountered. Males possess a single tail-like abdominal appendage that approximates the dangling legs of wasps.
Carmenta albociliata
Carmenta albociliata is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, first described by Engelhardt in 1925. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits wasp-mimicry through transparent wings and a slender body. The species is documented from the southwestern United States, specifically Texas and Arizona.
Carmenta apache
Carmenta apache is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by George Paul Engelhardt in 1946. The species is known exclusively from Arizona, United States, with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist. As a member of the clearwing moth group, it likely exhibits wasp-mimicking morphology typical of the family, though specific details remain undocumented in available sources.
Carmenta bassiformis
Ironweed Clearwing Moth, Eupatorium Borer Moth
Carmenta bassiformis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1856. It is native to the eastern and central United States, where adults are active from late spring through early autumn. The species is notable for its transparent wings and wasp-mimicking appearance, a common trait among sesiid moths. Larvae develop as root borers in specific host plants.
Carmenta mariona
Carmenta mariona is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described by William Beutenmüller in 1900. The species occurs in the western and central United States, with adults active during summer months. Larvae are root-feeding specialists on plants in the family Boraginaceae.
Carmenta pyralidiformis
Boneset Borer, Boneset Borer Moth
Carmenta pyralidiformis, commonly known as the boneset borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1856, this species occurs in the eastern and midwestern United States. The larvae are specialized root borers of Eupatorium species. Adults are active during daylight hours, a trait common among clearwing moths that mimic wasps or hornets.
Carmenta wildishorum
Carmenta wildishorum is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, described in 2017 from specimens collected in New Mexico. The species was subsequently documented in Colorado in 2019, representing a state record. Like other members of the genus Carmenta, it exhibits wasp-mimicry through transparent wings and a slender body form. The species appears to be uncommon and poorly known, with most records stemming from targeted bioblitz surveys.
Ceriana
Ceriana is a genus of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Eristalinae. All species are wasp mimics, exhibiting coloration and body form that resembles yellowjackets and paper wasps. Members of this genus are pollinators that visit flowers and are characterized by their hovering flight behavior. The genus was established by Rafinesque in 1815.
Ceriana abbreviata
Northern Wasp Fly
Ceriana abbreviata, known as the Northern Wasp Fly, is a rare syrphid fly species first described by Loew in 1864. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry, resembling wasps in coloration and body form to avoid predation. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae develop in tree wounds where they feed on sap. The species has been documented across North America including the United States and Canada.
Ceriana ancoralis
Black-sided Wasp Fly
Ceriana ancoralis is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Black-sided Wasp Fly. It is a wasp mimic, displaying coloration and body form that resembles vespid wasps such as yellowjackets and paper wasps. This mimicry provides protection from predators that avoid wasps. The species has been documented in limited observations, with 21 records on iNaturalist.
Ceriana tridens
Western Wasp Fly
Ceriana tridens is a syrphid fly species native to western North America, commonly known as the Western Wasp Fly. It exhibits striking wasp mimicry, with coloration resembling yellowjackets or paper wasps. The species has been documented ovipositing in tree fissures, where larvae feed on sap.
Chalcosyrphus curvarius
Chalcosyrphus curvarius is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, tribe Xylotini. Members of this genus are typically associated with decaying wood habitats. The larvae develop in rotting wood and fermenting sap, functioning as saprophages rather than predators. Adults are characterized by their wasp-mimicking appearance and modified hind legs, though specific details for C. curvarius remain limited in available sources.
Chamaesphecia
Chamaesphecia is a genus of clearwing moths (Sesiidae) established by Spuler in 1910, containing over 80 species distributed primarily across the Palearctic region. Species are characterized by their wasp-mimicking appearance and specialized larval associations with host plants, particularly in the families Euphorbiaceae and Lamiaceae. Several species have been investigated for biological control of invasive weeds, including leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) and horehound (Marrubium vulgare). The genus is divided into two subgenera: Chamaesphecia and Scopulosphecia.
Climaciella brunnea
Wasp Mantidfly, Western Mantidfly, Brown Mantidfly, Brown Wasp Mantidfly
Climaciella brunnea is a predatory mantidfly in the family Mantispidae, notable for its striking mimicry of paper wasps in the genus Polistes. Adults possess raptorial forelegs convergently evolved with mantises, used to capture small insect prey. The species exhibits regional color polymorphism, matching locally abundant Polistes species. Its life cycle involves a highly specialized parasitic relationship with wolf spiders (Lycosidae): first-instar larvae use phoretic behavior to board spiders, transfer between sexes during mating if necessary, and ultimately enter spider egg sacs to feed on the eggs. The species is widely distributed across North America from southern Canada to Nicaragua, with adults most commonly observed from May through October, peaking in June through August.
Clytus clitellarius
Clytus clitellarius is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Van Dyke in 1920. It belongs to the tribe Clytini, a group known for wasp-mimicking coloration patterns. The species is native to North America, with records from the United States. Like other members of the genus Clytus, it likely exhibits Batesian mimicry of wasps or bees as a defensive adaptation.
Clytus marginicollis
Clytus marginicollis is a small longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Castelnau and Gory in 1841. Adults are wasp mimics with distinctive black and yellow coloration. The species occurs in eastern North America, where larvae develop in dead pine branches and adults are often found under pine bark.
Clytus planifrons
Clytus planifrons is a long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1874. The species occurs along the Pacific coast of North America, with records from California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. As a member of the Clytini tribe, it belongs to a group of beetles often characterized by wasp-mimicking coloration and patterns.
Conopidae
Thick-headed Flies
Conopidae, commonly known as thick-headed flies, is a family of flies within the Brachycera suborder of Diptera and the sole member of the superfamily Conopoidea. The family comprises approximately 800 species in 47 genera worldwide, with about 70 species found in North America. Adult conopids are frequent flower visitors, feeding on nectar with their often elongated proboscis. The larvae of all conopids are internal parasitoids, primarily of aculeate Hymenoptera (stinging wasps and bees), with adult females aggressively intercepting hosts in flight to deposit eggs.
Criorhina occidentalis
Western Yellowjacket Fly
Criorhina occidentalis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Western Yellowjacket Fly. It belongs to a genus of hoverflies that exhibit mimicry of stinging insects such as wasps and hornets. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the Syrphidae family, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Ctenucha
ctenucha moths
Ctenucha is a genus of diurnal tiger moths in the family Erebidae, historically classified in family Arctiidae. The genus name derives from Greek, meaning "having a comb," referring to the showy antennae of some species. Adults are frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar, particularly goldenrod in autumn. Many species exhibit aposematic coloration and wasp-like appearance, serving as Müllerian mimics. The genus contains over 50 described species distributed primarily in the Americas.
Ctenucha cressonana
Cresson's ctenucha
Ctenucha cressonana, commonly known as Cresson's ctenucha, is a moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1863. It is a member of the genus Ctenucha, a group of tiger moths known for their wasp-mimicking appearance and diurnal activity. The species occurs in the Rocky Mountains of the southwestern United States. Adults have been observed laying eggs on grass blades, though the specific host plant for larval development remains unknown.
Ctenucha multifaria
White-margined Ctenucha Moth
Ctenucha multifaria is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, occurring in California and western Oregon. It is one of several species in the widespread genus Ctenucha, which are frequently encountered on flowers during late summer and fall. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits wasp-mimicking coloration with metallic blue-black body and contrasting markings. The species was described by Francis Walker in 1854.
Ctenucha rubroscapus
red-shouldered ctenucha moth, White-tipped Ctenucha
Ctenucha rubroscapus is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the red-shouldered ctenucha moth. It was described by Édouard Ménétriés in 1857. The species is restricted to low-elevation areas of western North America west of the Cascade Mountains. Adults are diurnal and visit flowers for nectar. The larvae feed on grasses and sedges in coastal and wetland habitats.
Ctenucha venosa
Veined Ctenucha Moth
Ctenucha venosa, commonly known as the veined ctenucha moth, is a diurnal moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Francis Walker in 1854, it is one of several North American Ctenucha species known for wasp-mimicking coloration. Adults are active from spring through late autumn with multiple generations per year. The species occurs across the southwestern United States and extends south through Mexico to Venezuela.
Ctenucha virginica
Virginia Ctenucha, Virginia Ctenucha Moth
Ctenucha virginica is a diurnal tiger moth in the family Erebidae, notable for its wasp-mimicking appearance. The species exhibits striking metallic blue-green body coloration with yellow-orange head and black to olive-brown wings. It is endemic to eastern North America with documented westward range expansion into the Canadian Rockies. Both larvae and adults are active feeders, with caterpillars consuming grasses, irises, and sedges while adults visit flowers for nectar.
Didasys
Didasys is a monotypic genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. The genus contains a single species, Didasys belae, commonly known as the double-tufted wasp moth. The genus was established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875. The common name refers to the species' wasp-like appearance, a form of protective mimicry.
Didasys belae
double-tufted wasp moth
Didasys belae is a monotypic tiger moth species in the subfamily Arctiinae, commonly known as the double-tufted wasp moth. It is the sole member of its genus. The species is restricted to a narrow geographic range in the southeastern United States. Its common name references distinctive tufted structures and wasp-mimicking appearance.
Eichlinia calabaza
Southwestern Squash Vine Borer
Eichlinia calabaza is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Southwestern Squash Vine Borer. It occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where its larvae develop within the stems of wild and cultivated cucurbits. The species is a significant agricultural pest of squash, pumpkins, and related crops. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking in appearance.
Eichlinia cucurbitae
Squash Vine Borer
Eichlinia cucurbitae, commonly known as the squash vine borer, is a sesiid moth whose larvae are a major pest of cucurbit crops. The adult moth is a diurnal clearwing that mimics wasps in appearance and behavior. Larvae tunnel into the stems of host plants, disrupting vascular tissues and causing vine wilt and death. The species has a broad distribution in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions and typically produces two generations per year in temperate climates.
Eichlinia magnifica
Eichlinia magnifica is a clearwing moth species in the family Sesiidae, first described by Beutenmüller in 1900. It belongs to the tribe Melittiini within the subfamily Sesiinae. The genus Eichlinia was established to accommodate species formerly placed in related sesiid genera. Like other sesiid moths, adults likely exhibit wasp-mimicry through transparent wings and wasp-like body coloration. The species is classified as accepted in major taxonomic databases including Catalogue of Life and GBIF.
Euhagena emphytiformis
Gaura Borer Moth
Euhagena emphytiformis is a North American clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Gaura Borer Moth. It is one of two species in its genus on the continent and is notable for its convincing wasp mimicry. Adults have been observed in pheromone traps in glade habitats, and larvae develop in the roots of evening primrose family plants.
Eupeodes flukei
Fluke's Aphideater
Eupeodes flukei is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as Fluke's Aphideater. As a member of the subfamily Syrphinae, its larvae are aphid predators, contributing to natural pest control in gardens and agricultural settings. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. The species exhibits typical hover fly characteristics including wasp-mimicking appearance, hovering flight behavior, and large compound eyes.
Eupeodes montivagus
Red-tailed Aphideater
A flower fly (Syrphidae) known as the Red-tailed Aphideater. Adults are pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. Larvae are aphid predators, with females laying eggs in or near aphid colonies. The species was first described from Colorado by William Morton Wheeler in 1895.
Harrisina metallica
Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moth, Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer
Harrisina metallica is a day-flying moth in the family Zygaenidae, commonly known as the western grapeleaf skeletonizer. Adults are deep metallic blue in color and exhibit wasp-mimicry, resembling spider wasps in the family Pompilidae. The species is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Larvae are specialized feeders on grape leaves and Parthenocissus species, skeletonizing foliage by consuming tissue between leaf veins. Caterpillars possess stinging hairs that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in humans.
Helophilus
Marsh Flies, Tiger Hoverflies
Helophilus is a genus of moderate to large hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as marsh flies or tiger hoverflies. Adults are notable bee or wasp mimics with distinctive lengthwise yellow stripes on the thorax and transverse bands on the abdomen. Larvae are aquatic "rat-tailed maggots" that filter-feed on microorganisms in organic-rich water. The genus comprises two subgenera: Helophilus and Pilinasica (the latter containing endemic New Zealand species).
Helophilus intentus
Yellow-legged Marsh Fly
Helophilus intentus is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) in the family Syrphidae. It belongs to the genus Helophilus, whose members are commonly known as marsh flies due to their association with aquatic habitats. The larvae develop in decaying plant matter submerged in water. Adults are sun-loving and frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen.
Helophilus neoaffinis
Northwestern Marsh Fly
A syrphid fly species in the genus Helophilus, recognized by iNaturalist as the Northwestern Marsh Fly. As with other members of its genus, it likely exhibits yellowjacket mimicry with vertical yellow stripes on the thorax. The larvae develop in decaying plant matter submerged in water, characteristic of the 'rat-tailed maggot' form found in aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Heteropacha rileyana
Riley's Lappet Moth
Heteropacha rileyana is a lappet moth in the family Lasiocampidae, the sole species in its genus. It was historically misidentified as a clearwing moth (Sesiidae) due to superficial resemblance. The species exhibits wasp-mimicking coloration with distinctive abdominal banding. Larvae feed on horse nettle (Solanum carolinense), a plant associated with sandy soils.
Hoplitimyia sp-near-mutabilis
A wasp-mimicking soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, originally misidentified as a vespid wasp due to its black and yellow coloration and flight behavior. The species exhibits striking, sexually dimorphic eye patterns and has aquatic larvae. Adults are highly active and reluctant to settle, making observation and photography challenging. The specimen discussed was collected in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, and identified by dipterist Martin Hauser as likely belonging to the genus Hoplitimyia, possibly near H. mutabilis, though species boundaries in this group remain unresolved.
Hoplitimyia subalba
Hoplitimyia subalba is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Walker in 1854. The genus Hoplitimyia comprises species with aquatic larvae, and adults are known for their wasp-mimicking appearance and patterned compound eyes. This species occurs in South America, with records from the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Pará. Adults are reportedly flighty and difficult to photograph, exhibiting behavior consistent with nectar or pollen feeding when provided sugar solutions in captivity.
Horama panthalon
Texas Wasp Moth
Horama panthalon, commonly called the Texas Wasp Moth, is a moth in the subfamily Arctiinae (family Erebidae) known for its striking mimicry of paper wasps. The species was described by Fabricius in 1793 and occurs across a broad Neotropical and Nearctic range. Adults are active year-round in warmer regions and possess a wingspan of 32–34 mm. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry, resembling Polistes wasps in coloration and flight behavior as a defense against predators.
Megacyllene caryae
painted hickory borer, hickory borer
Megacyllene caryae, known as the painted hickory borer or hickory borer, is a longhorned beetle species in the family Cerambycidae. It occurs in the eastern United States and has been introduced to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. Adults are active exclusively in spring, emerging from dead hickory wood as temperatures warm. The species is frequently misidentified as the closely related locust borer (M. robiniae) due to their nearly identical appearance, though they differ in seasonality, host plants, and subtle morphological characters.
Milesia scutellata
Yellow-backed Giant
Milesia scutellata is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Hull in 1924. It belongs to the genus Milesia, which includes several large, wasp-mimicking species found in North America. The species is known from the southeastern United States, ranging from southeast Oklahoma to North Carolina. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits Batesian mimicry of stinging wasps, though specific behavioral and ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Mixogaster
Mixogaster is a genus of hoverflies in the subfamily Microdontinae, native to the Americas. The genus comprises approximately 19-21 species and is distinguished by specific wing venation characters and reduced metasternal structures. Adults are myrmecophilous wasp mimics with constricted abdomens. Larvae develop as scavengers inside ant nests.