Wasp-mimic
Guides
Temnostoma trifasciatum
Three-lined Falsehorn
Temnostoma trifasciatum is a rare species of syrphid fly found in eastern and central North America. Adults are strong mimics of solitary mason wasps (Eumeninae), exhibiting sophisticated behavioral and morphological mimicry. The species is associated with woodland habitats where larvae develop in moist decayed wood. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Temnostoma venustum
black-banded falsehorn
Temnostoma venustum is a rare syrphid fly (flower fly) found in the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. Adults are wasp mimics with darkened wing margins and leg-waving behavior that simulates wasp antennae. Larvae develop in moist decayed wood.
Tragidion coquus
Tragidion coquus is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, originally described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is among the larger and more visually striking cerambycids in North America, with velvety black and vivid orange coloration that mimics tarantula hawk wasps (Pompilidae). The species occurs broadly across the eastern and central United States, where it breeds in dead hardwoods, particularly oak. It is considered rare and difficult to encounter in the field despite its wide distribution.
Ulochaetes
Lion Beetle
Ulochaetes is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Necydalinae. The genus contains at least two described species: Ulochaetes leoninus, distributed in North America, and Ulochaetes vacca, found in Bhutan and China. Ulochaetes leoninus is notable for its striking wasp-mimicry, featuring yellow and black coloration and a slender body form that causes it to be frequently mistaken for a wasp or hornet. The genus is relatively small and poorly studied, with most ecological information derived from observations of the North American species.
Ulochaetes leoninus
Lion Beetle
Ulochaetes leoninus, commonly known as the lion beetle, is a species of long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It is native to North America, with records from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The species is notable for its wasp-like appearance, which serves as a form of protective mimicry.
Vitacea
Grape Root Borer Moths
Vitacea is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as grape root borer moths. The genus contains four recognized species, including Vitacea polistiformis, a significant agricultural pest of grape vineyards in the eastern United States. Adults are wasp mimics with reduced wing scaling that gives them a distinctive transparent appearance. Larvae are subterranean root borers that feed on grapevine roots, causing economically important damage to cultivated grapes.
Vitacea scepsiformis
Lesser Grape Root Borer Moth
Vitacea scepsiformis, the lesser grape root borer moth, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. It occurs across eastern and central North America, where its larvae develop as root borers in grapevines (Vitis species). Adults are active from mid-summer through early autumn and are wasp mimics in appearance. The species is smaller than the related grape root borer (Vitacea polistiformis) and generally considered less economically damaging.
Wyliea
Bronzewings
Wyliea is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Martin in 1975. The genus is notable for species with vivid aposematic or mimetic coloration, particularly Wyliea mydas, which exhibits wasp-like coloration with a black body and red wings. These large, conspicuous flies are among the most visually striking members of the robber fly family due to their bold color patterns rather than enormous size.
Zodion intermedium
Zodion intermedium is a small species of thick-headed fly (family Conopidae) described by Banks in 1916. Like other members of its genus, it is a parasitoid that targets solitary wasps. The species is part of a family known for wasp-mimicking appearance and aggressive mid-air attacks on hosts to deposit eggs. It is one of approximately 66 conopid species recorded from North America.
Zodion obliquefasciatum
thick-headed fly
Zodion obliquefasciatum is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae. Members of the genus Zodion are small conopid flies, typically 5–7 millimeters in length, that parasitize solitary wasps. Like other conopids, they are wasp mimics and frequent flowers for nectar while hunting for hosts.
Zodion pictulum
Zodion pictulum is a species of thick-headed fly in the family Conopidae. Like other members of the genus Zodion, it is a parasitoid of solitary wasps. The species is notably smaller than related genera such as Physocephala, measuring approximately 5-7 millimeters in length. It has been observed in association with flowers where adults likely feed on nectar while seeking hosts.