Wasp-mimic
Guides
Pyrgota undata
waved light fly
Pyrgota undata, commonly known as the waved light fly, is a species of fly in the family Pyrgotidae. It is a wasp-mimicking species that has been observed in mating pairs engaging in distinctive 'French kissing' behavior. The species has been documented in Missouri glade habitats and at bioblitz events in prairie ecosystems.
Sericomyia woodi
Sericomyia woodi is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Nielsen and Vockeroth in 2000. As a member of the genus Sericomyia, it belongs to a group of large, often wasp-mimicking hoverflies commonly known as bog or fen flies due to their typical wetland associations. The species epithet 'woodi' honors Nelson R. Wood, a taxidermist at the U.S. National Museum who collected the type specimen in 1912.
Sesia
clearwing moths
Sesia is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, characterized by their wasp-like appearance due to transparent wings and narrow bodies. These diurnal moths are active during daylight hours and are often mistaken for hymenopterans. The genus includes species that develop as wood-boring larvae in various tree hosts.
Sesiinae
clearwing moths
The Sesiinae are a subfamily of clearwing moths within the family Sesiidae, established by Boisduval in 1828. Members are characterized by reduced wing scaling that creates transparent areas, mimicking wasps or hornets in appearance. The subfamily includes multiple tribes, notably Synanthedonini, which contains genera such as Carmenta, Tipulamima, and Macrotarsipodes. Species occur across multiple continents with documented host associations including Clerodendrum paniculatum (Lamiaceae) and Ipomoea batatas (Convolvulaceae).
Sesiini
clearwing moths
Sesiini is a tribe of clearwing moths (family Sesiidae) characterized by reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent, wasp-like appearance. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed across tropical and temperate regions. Members of this tribe are diurnal and often mimic hymenopterans in appearance and flight behavior.
Somula
Somula is a genus of syrphid flies (flower flies) in the family Syrphidae, established by Macquart in 1847. The genus contains at least two described species: Somula decora and Somula mississippiensis. Members of this genus are notable for their wasp-mimicking appearance, particularly resembling yellowjackets or scoliid wasps in coloration and pattern. These flies are part of the diverse mimicry complex found within Syrphidae.
Somula decora
spotted wood fly
Somula decora, commonly called the spotted wood fly, is an uncommon syrphid fly species found in central to eastern North America. Adults are medium-sized, roughly honey bee-sized, with black bodies heavily marked with golden yellow. The species exhibits wasp mimicry, likely resembling scoliid wasps or queen yellowjackets. Larvae develop in decaying wood, while adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Sphecomyia columbiana
Columbian Yellowjacket Fly
Sphecomyia columbiana is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae, described by Vockeroth in 1965. The genus Sphecomyia is known for remarkably convincing wasp mimicry, particularly of yellowjackets. The specific epithet 'columbiana' refers to its known distribution in Canada.
Sphecomyia cryptica
Sphecomyia cryptica is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) described in 2019 from the genus Sphecomyia, a group of large wasp-mimicking flies in the subtribe Criorhinina. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group, characterized by the absence of pruinose scutellar vittae. The species exhibits distinctive abdominal patterning with pruinose sternites and yellow-banded tergites. As a member of this Holarctic genus, it likely functions as a pollinator in its adult stage. Biological data remain limited due to its recent description.
Sphecomyia dyari
Dyar's Yellowjacket Fly
Sphecomyia dyari is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) known for its striking resemblance to yellowjacket wasps. It belongs to a genus notable for exceptionally convincing wasp mimicry, including elongated antennae and flight patterns that imitate queen yellowjackets searching for nest sites. The species was described by Shannon in 1925 and is found in the United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely serves as a Batesian mimic, gaining protection from predators by resembling stinging wasps.
Sphecomyia hoguei
Sphecomyia hoguei is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) described in 2019, belonging to the S. pattonii species group within the genus Sphecomyia. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits wasp mimicry, a characteristic defensive adaptation in this lineage. The species was formally described in a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the world Sphecomyia fauna.
Sphecomyia interrupta
Sphecomyia interrupta is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described in 2019. It is a large wasp mimic within the Holarctic genus Sphecomyia, belonging to the S. vittata species group. The species is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a completely pruinose scutellum without a black posterior rim, an interrupted medial facial vitta, and specific antennal segment proportions. Like other members of subtribe Criorhinina, it likely exhibits Batesian mimicry of stinging wasps.
Sphecomyia metallica
Sphecomyia metallica is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. It is a wasp mimic, part of a diverse group of syrphid flies that have evolved to resemble stinging hymenopterans for protection from predators. The species is known from Canada and the United States. As with many hoverflies, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Sphecomyia oraria
Sphecomyia oraria is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) described in 2019. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group within the Holarctic genus Sphecomyia, which comprises large wasp-mimicking flies in subtribe Criorhinina. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of vespid wasps, particularly yellowjackets. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to have larvae that develop in rotting wood or tree holes, though this has not been confirmed for S. oraria specifically.
Sphecomyia pattonii
Patton's Yellowjacket Fly
Sphecomyia pattonii is a large wasp-mimicking syrphid fly in the subtribe Criorhinina, originally described by Williston in 1882. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group, distinguished from congeners by the absence of pruinose scutellar vittae. The species exhibits classic yellowjacket mimicry, including coloration, body form, and flight behavior similar to Vespula queens. As with other members of its subtribe, the larval stage likely develops in decaying wood or rot holes, though this remains unconfirmed for this species.
Sphecomyia pseudosphecomima
Sphecomyia pseudosphecomima is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) described by Moran in 2019. It belongs to the genus Sphecomyia, a Holarctic group of large wasp-mimicking syrphid flies. The species is placed in the S. pattonii species group, characterized by the absence of pruinose scutellar vittae and broadened fore tarsi. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of vespid wasps, though specific details of its biology remain undocumented.
Sphecomyia vittata
Long-horned Yellowjacket Fly
Sphecomyia vittata is a large, striking syrphid fly known for its exceptional mimicry of yellowjacket wasps. It possesses unusually long, thick antennae for a fly—longer than the head depth in lateral view—which enhances its resemblance to vespid wasps. The species belongs to the S. vittata species group within subtribe Criorhinina, characterized by pruinose scutellar vittae and specific thoracic pruinosity patterns. Adults are flower visitors, though detailed natural history remains poorly documented. The species has a Holarctic distribution with concentration in eastern North America.
Sphecomyia weismani
Sphecomyia weismani is a hoverfly species described in 2019, one of seven new species identified during a comprehensive revision of the genus Sphecomyia. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group, distinguished from other Sphecomyia by the absence of pruinose scutellar vittae. The species is a wasp mimic, exhibiting the characteristic large size and yellow-and-black coloration typical of this Holarctic genus. Like other members of subtribe Criorhinina, it likely develops in decaying wood or rot holes, though specific larval biology remains undocumented.
Sphiximorpha durani
Duran's wasp fly
Sphiximorpha durani is a hoverfly species in the family Syrphidae, native to the western United States. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of wasps, a characteristic feature of its tribe Cerioidini. It was described by Davidson in 1925 and is known by the common name Duran's wasp fly.
Sphiximorpha loewii
Orange Wasp Fly
Sphiximorpha loewii is a rare North American hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly called the Orange Wasp Fly. The species exhibits pronounced wasp mimicry, with an orange and black color pattern that resembles vespid wasps. It is one of the most poorly documented members of the genus Sphiximorpha, with only a handful of verified observations recorded. The genus Sphiximorpha is notable for its highly specialized larval biology, with most species developing as inquilines in the nests of social wasps.
Spilomyia citima
Western Hornet Fly
Spilomyia citima, commonly known as the Western Hornet Fly, is a rare species of syrphid hoverfly first described by Vockeroth in 1958. It belongs to a genus renowned for exceptional mimicry of yellowjacket wasps, employing visual, behavioral, and acoustic deception. The species has been documented in Canada and the United States, though records remain sparse.
Spilomyia crandalli
Crandall's Hornet Fly
Spilomyia crandalli is a rare species of syrphid fly described by Curran in 1951. Adults are known as flower flies and are commonly found on flowers, where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species belongs to a genus renowned for exceptional wasp mimicry, including visual, behavioral, and acoustic deception of yellowjackets. Larvae are adapted to moist environments such as tree rot holes.
Spilomyia fusca
Bald-faced Hornet Fly
Spilomyia fusca, the Bald-faced Hornet Fly, is a syrphid fly first described by Loew in 1864. This species is a notable wasp mimic, resembling yellowjackets in both appearance and sound. Adults are pollinators that frequent flowers, while larvae develop in moist tree rot holes where they feed on decaying organic matter. The species is relatively common in eastern North America.
Spilomyia interrupta
Interrupted Hornet Fly
Spilomyia interrupta, commonly known as the Interrupted Hornet Fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. First described by Williston in 1882, this uncommon species is native to western North America, particularly along the California coast. Like other members of the genus Spilomyia, it exhibits remarkable mimicry of yellowjacket wasps, including similar coloration, body shape, and even wingbeat frequency. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae develop in moist tree rot holes.
Spilomyia kahli
Yellow-tailed Hornet Fly
Spilomyia kahli is a species of hover fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Yellow-tailed Hornet Fly. It is one of approximately 13 North American species in the genus Spilomyia, a group renowned for their exceptional mimicry of yellowjacket wasps. The species was described by Snow in 1895. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits sophisticated visual and acoustic mimicry to avoid predation.
Spilomyia liturata
Rocky Mountain Hornet Fly
Spilomyia liturata, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain Hornet Fly, is an uncommon species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) found in western North America. Adults are notable mimics of yellowjacket wasps, exhibiting sophisticated visual and auditory deception. The species is associated with montane habitats along the Rocky Mountains, where larvae develop in water-filled tree holes.
Spilomyia sayi
Four-lined Hornet Fly
Spilomyia sayi is a common North American hoverfly and wasp mimic, ranging from western Canada to the northeastern United States. Adults are active from June to October and are frequently found on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits remarkable mimicry of yellowjacket wasps, including visual, behavioral, and acoustic deception. Larvae develop in decaying heartwood of deciduous trees and in rot holes.
Spilomyia texana
Texas Hornet Fly
Spilomyia texana is a hover fly (family Syrphidae) first described from Texas in 1921 by Johnson. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Spilomyia alcimus (Walker, 1849), the Broad-banded Hornet Fly, by major taxonomic databases including GBIF and Catalogue of Life. Like other members of the genus Spilomyia, it is a wasp mimic with yellow and black coloration. The genus contains approximately 13 species in North America, all known for their convincing mimicry of yellowjackets in both appearance and behavior.
Stratiomys laticeps
soldier fly
Stratiomys laticeps is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It is one of several North American species in the genus Stratiomys, which are recognized by their wasp-mimicking coloration. The specific epithet "laticeps" refers to the broad head characteristic of this species. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with wetland or aquatic habitats where its larvae develop.
Stratiomys maculosa
spotted soldier fly
Stratiomys maculosa is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, commonly known as the spotted soldier fly. It is native to western North America, with documented occurrence from British Columbia through California and inland to Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. The species is associated with riparian habitats and is known to visit flowers.
Stratiomys normula
Stratiomys normula is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Loew in 1866. It is one of several North American species in the genus Stratiomys that exhibit wasp-mimicking coloration. The species has been recorded from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is diurnal and associated with wetland habitats where its larvae develop.
Synanthedon acerni
Maple Callus Borer, Maple Callus Borer Moth
Synanthedon acerni, the maple callus borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults are active primarily during late spring and early summer, with flight periods varying by latitude. The species is associated with maple trees, where larvae develop as borers in host tissue.
Synanthedon acerrubri
Maple Clearwing Moth, Red Maple Borer
Synanthedon acerrubri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the maple clearwing moth or red maple borer. The species is a wood-boring pest of maple trees in eastern North America. Adults are diurnal and wasp-mimicking in appearance, with transparent wings and banded abdomens. Larvae tunnel into the trunks and branches of host trees, causing structural damage.
Synanthedon albicornis
Western Willow Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon albicornis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Western Willow Clearwing Moth. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males possessing highly bipectinate (feathery) antennae and distinctive white thoracic tufts composed of hair-like scales. Like other sesiids, it is a wasp mimic with reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species is diurnal and generally not attracted to light traps.
Synanthedon alleri
Synanthedon alleri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, native to the Nearctic region. The species was originally described as Thamnosphecia alleri in 1946 and later transferred to Synanthedon. As with other sesiids, it exhibits wasp-mimicking morphology and reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species appears to be rarely encountered, with limited observational records available.
Synanthedon arizonensis
Arizona Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon arizonensis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, known for its wasp-like appearance and diurnal activity. Like other members of its genus, it likely bores into woody plants as larvae. The species is native to the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. It belongs to a group of moths that are generally not attracted to light traps, making them difficult to survey using standard moth-collecting methods.
Synanthedon fulvipes
Synanthedon fulvipes is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, first described by Harris in 1839. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits wasp-mimicking morphology with reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species is part of a group of wood-boring moths whose larvae develop within plant tissues. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Synanthedon kathyae
Holly Borer Moth
Synanthedon kathyae is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Holly Borer Moth. Like other sesiids, adults are wasp mimics with reduced wing scaling that creates a transparent appearance. The species is diurnal and generally not attracted to lights, making it difficult to encounter except by chance observation or pheromone lures.
Synanthedon mellinipennis
Ceanothus Borer Moth
Synanthedon mellinipennis is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Ceanothus Borer Moth. Like other sesiids, it exhibits wasp mimicry through transparent wings and hymenopteran-like body form. The species is associated with Ceanothus host plants, with larvae boring into stems or roots. Adults are diurnal and generally not attracted to light traps.
Synanthedon pictipes
lesser peachtree borer, lesser peach tree borer
Synanthedon pictipes, commonly known as the lesser peachtree borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults are diurnal wasp mimics with narrow, nearly scaleless wings and a black-and-white color pattern. The species is a significant pest of stone fruit trees, particularly peach, with larvae boring into trunks and branches. It occurs across eastern North America from Canada to Texas.
Synanthedon polygoni
Buckwheat Root Borer Moth
A clearwing moth (family Sesiidae) whose larvae bore into the roots and crowns of buckwheat and related plants. Adults exhibit wasp-like mimicry with reduced wing scaling and are primarily diurnal. The species is found across western North America from the Great Plains to the Pacific.
Synanthedon proxima
dogwood borer
Synanthedon proxima, commonly known as the dogwood borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. It is native to North America and primarily associated with Cornus species. The species is recognized as a significant pest of ornamental dogwoods, particularly in urban and suburban landscapes. Adults exhibit wasp-mimicking appearance typical of the family, with transparent wings and often yellow or orange coloration. Larval stages bore into the stems and trunks of host plants, causing structural damage.
Synanthedon pyri
Apple Bark Borer
Synanthedon pyri, commonly known as the Apple Bark Borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults are diurnal and exhibit wasp mimicry, with transparent wings and wasp-like coloration. Larvae are wood-borers that infest the bark and cambium of fruit trees, particularly apple (Malus spp.), causing damage to commercial orchards. The species is native to North America and has been documented as a pest of economic concern in apple-growing regions.
Synanthedon resplendens
Sycamore Borer Moth
A clearwing moth (family Sesiidae) native to western North America. Adults exhibit wasp-mimicry with yellow and black coloration and transparent wings. Larvae are bark miners, primarily infesting sycamore and oak trees. Despite extensive tunneling, damage is generally considered minor and trees tolerate infestation well.
Synanthedon rhododendri
Rhododendron Borer Moth
Synanthedon rhododendri is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the rhododendron borer moth. The species is a specialist pest of rhododendrons and related Ericaceae, with larvae boring into stems and crowns of host plants. Adults are diurnal and exhibit wasp-mimicking appearance typical of the family. The species occurs in the Nearctic region.
Synanthedon rileyana
horsenettle borer, Riley's clearwing moth
Synanthedon rileyana is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, notable for its effective wasp mimicry. Adults are diurnal and active from late spring through early autumn. The species is distinguished from similar clearwing moths by complete yellow banding on all abdominal segments and a red discal cell on the forewing. Larvae are borers in horsenettle (Solanum carolinense), a weedy plant common to sandy agricultural areas.
Synanthedon rubrofascia
Tupelo Clearwing Moth
Synanthedon rubrofascia, the Tupelo Clearwing Moth, is a North American clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males possessing highly bipectinate (feathery) antennae. The species is diurnal and, like most sesiids, generally unattracted to light traps. It is associated with Nyssa (tupelo) host plants, though specific life history details remain poorly documented.
Synanthedon scitula
dogwood borer, pecan borer, Dogwood Borer Moth
Synanthedon scitula is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae and a significant pest of woody plants. Larvae tunnel into burrknot tissue and cambium of host trees, causing damage ranging from localized feeding to tree death. The species has one generation per year, with adults active from June through September. It is widely distributed across North America and has been recorded from numerous host species including dogwood, pecan, apple, and many other hardwoods.
Synanthedon tipuliformis
currant clearwing, currant borer moth, currant clearwing moth
Synanthedon tipuliformis, the currant clearwing, is a clearwing moth native to the Palearctic realm that has become invasive in the Nearctic and Australasian realms. Adults are diurnal wasp mimics with transparent wings scaled only along veins and margins. Larvae are internal feeders that bore into the pith of Ribes canes, causing significant damage to currant and gooseberry cultivation. The species is univoltine in temperate regions, with adults emerging in late spring to early summer.
Syrphus vitripennis
Black-thighed Flower Fly
Syrphus vitripennis is a common Holarctic hoverfly (Syrphidae) with distinctive yellow and black wasp-mimicking coloration. Adults are medium-sized (8–11 mm body length, wing length 7.25–10.25 mm) and frequent flowers from March to October, peaking in July–August. Larvae are aphid predators, making this species economically significant for biological control. The species is highly migratory, with documented seasonal movements between latitudes. It is one of five Syrphus species in Britain and can be difficult to distinguish from congeners, particularly S. rectus in males.