Wasp-mimicry
Guides
Alcathoe
Alcathoe is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, restricted to the New World tropics and extending north into the southern United States. These moths are notable for their striking wasp mimicry, with five species currently recognized north of Mexico. Males possess distinctive morphological features including highly bipectinate antennae and often a single tail-like appendage from the abdomen tip that approximates the dangling legs of wasps. The genus is rarely encountered due to diurnal activity and general disinterest in light traps.
Alcathoe caudata
Clematis Clearwing Moth
Alcathoe caudata is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Clematis Clearwing Moth. The genus Alcathoe is restricted to the New World tropics and southern United States, with five species occurring north of Mexico. This species exhibits wasp mimicry, with transparent wings and a body form resembling spider wasps. Males possess a distinctive single tail-like appendage from the abdomen tip. The caterpillars are stem borers in Clematis plants.
Carmenta
clearwing moth
Carmenta is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, characterized by transparent or partially transparent wings resulting from reduced wing scaling. The genus contains approximately 100 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropics, with some species extending into North America. Members are diurnal and often wasp-mimicking in appearance. Several species are economically significant as pests of agricultural crops, including C. theobromae which has shifted from native cacao to become a major pest of guava in Colombia.
Chalcoela
Sooty-winged Chalcoela (for C. iphitalis)
Chalcoela is a genus of crambid moths (family Crambidae, subfamily Glaphyriinae) containing at least two described species. The genus is notable for the brood parasitic biology of C. iphitalis, whose larvae are specialized predators of paper wasp (Polistes) larvae within their nests. This species represents a rare example of a lepidopteran that has evolved to exploit social hymenopteran colonies. The genus was established by Zeller in 1872.
Climaciella
wasp mantidflies
Climaciella is a genus of wasp mantidflies in the family Mantispidae, comprising approximately 10 described species distributed from North America through Central America to South America and parts of the Caribbean. Adults are notable for their striking Batesian mimicry of polistine paper wasps (Vespidae), featuring a constricted "wasp waist," wings folded longitudinally over the back rather than pitched roof-like, and darkened wing bases that simulate the longitudinal fold of vespid wings. The genus is best known from the common and widespread species C. brunnea, which has been extensively studied for its unique life history involving obligate spider egg-sac parasitism.
Clytini
Clytini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) within the subfamily Cerambycinae. Members are typically medium-sized (8–16 mm), often with bright coloration and banded elytra. Many species exhibit wasp-mimicry, with rapid, jerky movements and contrasting yellow-black or red-black patterns. The tribe includes ant-mimicking genera such as Cyrtinus, which are among the smallest cerambycids (2–3 mm). Larvae are primarily xylophagous, developing in dead wood of trees and shrubs. Adults are frequently floricolous or attracted to exudates and fermented fruits. The tribe is distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia, with some species showing expanding or declining population trends.
Clytus
clytine longhorn beetles
Clytus is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Clytini. These beetles are characterized by their wasp-mimicking coloration, typically featuring yellow and black banded patterns on the elytra. The genus is taxonomically well-established, having been described by Laicharting in 1784. Clytus species are found across the Northern Hemisphere, with records from Europe, North America, and other temperate regions.
Clytus blaisdelli
Clytus blaisdelli is a longhorn beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Van Dyke in 1920. It belongs to the genus Clytus, a group of cerambycids often noted for wasp-mimicking coloration and patterns. The species occurs in North America, with records from the United States. As with many Clytus species, it likely exhibits Batesian mimicry of Hymenoptera as a defensive adaptation.
Clytus ruricola
Round-necked Longhorn Beetle
Clytus ruricola is a longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Olivier in 1795. It belongs to the tribe Clytini, a group known for wasp-mimicking coloration. The species occurs across North America and is one of several Clytus species with distinctive yellow and black patterned elytra. It is a hardwood-associated beetle whose larvae develop in dead or decaying wood.
Eichlinia snowii
Clearwing Borer Moth
Eichlinia snowii is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as the Clearwing Borer Moth. It belongs to a group of moths that exhibit Batesian mimicry of wasps and hornets through transparent wings and wasp-like coloration. The species was described by Edwards in 1882 and is native to North America. Like other sesiid moths, adults are diurnal and often visit flowers.
Epeolus interruptus
Interrupted Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus interruptus is a cleptoparasitic (cuckoo) bee in the family Apidae, native to North America. First described by Robertson in 1900, this species invades the nests of polyester bees (genus Colletes) to lay its eggs. Like other cuckoo bees, females lack the branched body hairs used for pollen collection and instead rely on host bees to provision their offspring. The species exhibits reduced pilosity compared to non-parasitic bees, giving it a wasp-like appearance.
Euchromiina
Wasp Moths
Euchromiina is a subtribe of tiger moths (family Erebidae) established by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1876. The group comprises approximately 3,000 valid species when combined with the related subtribe Ctenuchina, with the majority occurring in the Neotropics. Members are renowned for their striking wasp-mimicking appearance, featuring bright aposematic coloration that advertises their chemical defenses. The subtribe was historically classified as tribe Euchromiini within subfamily Ctenuchinae of family Arctiidae before modern taxonomic revisions placed it within Erebidae.
Euhagena
Euhagena is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, characterized by wasp-mimicking appearance and diurnal activity. The genus contains seven described species distributed across North America and parts of Eurasia. Members exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males possessing highly bipectinate (feathery) antennae and distinctive thoracic tufts. These moths are rarely attracted to light and are typically encountered by chance observation or through the use of pheromone lures.
Harrisina
grapeleaf skeletonizer moths
Harrisina is a genus of moths in the family Zygaenidae, commonly known as grapeleaf skeletonizer moths. The genus includes several species, notably Harrisina americana (grapeleaf skeletonizer) and Harrisina metallica (western grapeleaf skeletonizer), which are significant agricultural pests of grapevines. Members of this genus are characterized by their aposematic coloration—typically black with bright red or metallic markings—and their ability to produce hydrogen cyanide as a chemical defense. The larvae feed gregariously on grape foliage, skeletonizing leaves by consuming the tissue between the veins.
Hemileuca
Sheepmoths, Buck Moths
Hemileuca is a genus of North American saturniid moths comprising approximately 32 recognized species. These moths are notable for their diurnal activity, rapid and erratic flight, and highly variable coloration ranging from muted grays and browns to bright yellows, oranges, and reds. The genus is adapted to hot, dry habitats including deserts, chaparral, and mountain regions, with life history traits synchronized to avoid harsh summer conditions. Caterpillars possess urticating spines that deliver painful stings to humans.
Hermetia illucens
Black soldier fly
Hermetia illucens is a medium-sized dipteran in the family Stratiomyidae, native to the Neotropics but now virtually cosmopolitan through human-mediated spread. Adults are wasp mimics with metallic coloration and distinctive translucent abdominal spots. The species is commercially significant for its larvae's ability to rapidly convert organic waste into protein-rich biomass, with applications in animal feed, waste management, and bioremediation. Neither life stage is considered a pest or disease vector.
Hoplitimyia
Hoplitimyia is a genus of soldier flies (family Stratiomyidae) established by James in 1934. The genus comprises approximately ten described species distributed across the Americas, with records from both North and South America. Species within this genus exhibit the characteristic features of the subfamily Stratiomyinae, including patterned eyes and wasp-mimicking coloration. Larvae are aquatic, a trait common to the subfamily.
Hoplitimyia constans
Hoplitimyia constans is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, distributed in the United States. The genus Hoplitimyia includes species with aquatic larvae and adults that often exhibit wasp-mimicking coloration and behavior. Members of this genus are known for their flighty behavior and attraction to flowers. The specific epithet "constans" was established by Loew in 1872, originally described under the genus Stratiomyia.
Horama plumipes
Horama plumipes is a moth in the subfamily Arctiinae, first described by Dru Drury in 1773. It is distributed from southern Texas through Mexico and Central America to Nicaragua. The species exhibits distinctive black and white coloration with prominent tufted hind legs that give it its specific epithet 'plumipes' (feather-footed). The original description provides detailed morphological information including a wingspan of approximately 45 mm.
Hylaeus schwarzii
Schwarz's Masked Bee
Hylaeus schwarzii is a species of masked bee in the family Colletidae, native to North America. Like other members of the genus Hylaeus, it is a solitary, nearly hairless bee that superficially resembles small wasps. The species was described by Cockerell in 1896 and is one of approximately 50 Hylaeus species occurring in North America. Very little species-specific information is documented for H. schwarzii; most knowledge of its biology is inferred from the broader genus.
Lymire
Edwards' wasp moth (Lymire edwardsii)
Lymire is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Francis Walker in 1854. The genus contains approximately 13 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. The most well-documented species, Lymire edwardsii (Edwards' wasp moth), is known as a significant pest of Ficus trees in Florida. Most species in this genus remain poorly studied with limited biological data available.
Macrocneme
Macrocneme is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae. Species in this genus are known for their mimicry of spider wasps (Pompilidae), displaying aposematic coloration and body form that resembles hymenopteran predators. This represents a defensive adaptation where moths gain protection from predators by resembling dangerous or unpalatable wasp species. The genus was established by Hübner in 1818 and contains multiple species distributed primarily in the Americas.
Mantispidae
mantidflies, mantispids, mantid lacewings, mantis-flies
Mantispidae is a family of neuropteran insects comprising approximately 400 species in around 400 genera, distributed worldwide with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Adults are predators characterized by raptorial forelegs—convergent with mantises but independently evolved—used to capture small arthropod prey. The family exhibits diverse larval life histories: Mantispinae are ectoparasitoids of spider egg sacs; Symphrasinae parasitize ground-nesting hymenopterans and scarab beetle larvae; Calomantispinae are predatory on small arthropods; and Drepanicinae life history remains largely unknown. First-instar larvae (planidia) employ specialized host-location strategies including direct penetration of egg sacs or phoretic transport on female spiders.
Mantispinae
mantidflies, mantispines
Mantispinae is a subfamily of mantidflies (order Neuroptera) comprising at least 30 genera and approximately 310 described species. Adults are characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey, bearing a striking resemblance to praying mantises (Mantodea) due to convergent evolution. Members of this subfamily are distinguished by a larval life history specialized for parasitism of spider egg sacs.
Mantoididae
Mantoididae is a small, early-diverging family of praying mantises (Mantodea) comprising three extant genera and approximately 14 species. The family is consistently recovered as sister to all other mantises except Chaeteessidae. Members exhibit specialized hymenopteran mimicry, with some species displaying transformational mimicry during development. The family is restricted to the Neotropics.
Megacyllene snowi
Megacyllene snowi is a species of longhorn beetle in the tribe Clytini, described by Casey in 1912. It belongs to a genus of North American beetles characterized by bold yellow and black banding patterns that resemble wasps. Records indicate it occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with specific observations from the east side of the Chiricahua Mountains in Arizona.
Melanchroia chephise
white-tipped black, snowbush spanworm
Melanchroia chephise is a moth in the family Geometridae, commonly known as the white-tipped black or snowbush spanworm. It ranges from the southern United States through Central America to Paraguay. The adult exhibits striking black wings with white apical patches, while the gregarious larvae feed on foliage of plants in the Phyllanthaceae family, particularly Breynia and Phyllanthus species. Despite occasional outbreaks that defoliate ornamental plantings, the species typically causes no lasting harm to hosts and poses no risk to humans.
Messiasia
Messiasia is a genus of mydas flies (family Mydidae) established by Andretta in 1951. The genus contains 16 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with species known from the western United States, Central America, and South America. These flies are among the largest in Diptera and are characterized by their elongate bodies and wasp-like appearance.
Micropezidae
stilt-legged flies
Micropezidae is a family of acalyptrate muscoid flies comprising approximately 500 species in 50 genera and five subfamilies. Commonly called stilt-legged flies, they are distinguished by extraordinarily elongated middle and hind legs, with markedly smaller fore legs. Adults range from 3–16 mm and exhibit remarkable mimicry of ants, wasps, and ichneumonid wasps. The family is most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly the Neotropics, and is absent from New Zealand and Macquarie Island. Larval biology remains poorly known, with development occurring in decaying vegetation, manure, fungi, and in some species, living plant roots.
Mydas
Mydas flies
Mydas is a genus of flies in the family Mydidae, established by Fabricius in 1794. These are among the largest flies in North America, with some species reaching substantial body lengths. The genus is characterized by elongate clubbed antennae and wasp-mimicking coloration, typically featuring black bodies with orange or red markings. Mydas flies are often mistaken for large wasps or robber flies by observers due to their impressive size and similar appearance to hymenopteran mimics.
Mydidae
Mydas flies, Mydaid flies
Mydidae, or mydas flies, are a small cosmopolitan family of large to very large flies within the superfamily Asiloidea. With approximately 471 described species, they represent one of the most distinctive dipteran groups due to their exceptional size—Gauromydas heros is the largest known fly species—and their frequent mimicry of stinging hymenopterans, particularly spider wasps. Most species inhabit arid and semiarid regions globally. The family is poorly studied, with larval biology documented for only a handful of species.
Necydalis cavipennis
Necydalis cavipennis is a long-horned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, characterized by its wasp-mimicking appearance. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records extending into British Columbia. It belongs to the subfamily Necydalinae, a group noted for their striking mimicry of Hymenoptera. The genus Necydalis contains several species with similar mimetic adaptations.
Necydalis mellita
Slender Long-horned Beetle
Necydalis mellita is a longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, characterized by its wasp-mimicking appearance. Adults are approximately 2 cm in length with antennae longer than the body. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry through its black and red coloration, elongate body, short elytra that expose the wings, and constricted pronotum. This morphological convergence with wasps likely provides protection from predators.
Neoclytus
Neoclytus is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) comprising approximately 93 species native to the New World. Adults are small to medium-sized beetles (4-20 mm) with striking black-and-yellow or black-and-white banded patterns that provide wasp-mimicry protection. The genus is notable for male-produced aggregation pheromones that attract both sexes. Larvae are wood-borers primarily of dead, dying, or stressed hardwood trees, with several species frequently encountered emerging from stored firewood.
Nomada
Nomad Bees, Cuckoo Bees
Nomada is one of the largest genera in the family Apidae, with over 850 species worldwide. These bees are kleptoparasites that lay eggs in the nests of other bees, primarily ground-nesting species in the genus Andrena. Adult bees lack pollen-carrying scopa and are mostly hairless, feeding on nectar but not collecting pollen for offspring. The genus name derives from the Greek word for 'roaming' or 'wandering,' reflecting their parasitic lifestyle.
Nomadinae
cuckoo bees, nomad and related cuckoo bees
Nomadinae is a subfamily of bees in the family Apidae, commonly known as cuckoo bees. All members are obligate kleptoparasites that lay eggs in the nests of other bee species. They lack pollen-carrying structures and often exhibit wasp-like morphology. The subfamily is cosmopolitan, with diverse host associations across multiple bee families. Females enter host nests when unoccupied and deposit eggs into host cell walls; emerging larvae kill the host offspring and consume the stored provisions.
Nomotettix cristatus
crested pygmy grasshopper, crested grouse locust, northern crested grouse locust
Nomotettix cristatus is a small pygmy grasshopper in the family Tetrigidae, commonly known as the crested pygmy grasshopper or crested grouse locust. It is one of approximately 35 Nearctic species of Tetrigidae. The species exhibits three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic distributions across North America. Like other members of its family, it is characterized by an elongated pronotum that extends over the abdomen, a trait distinguishing pygmy grasshoppers from typical grasshoppers in Acrididae.
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aeacidinus
robber fly
Ospriocerus aeacidinus is a large robber fly (family Asilidae) native to western North America. The species was historically recorded as far east as Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, but has been documented in recent years in relictual hilltop prairie habitats in northwestern Missouri and southwestern Illinois—representing significant eastern range extensions. Adults are active predators with wasp-mimetic coloration. The species is considered a grassland specialist associated with dry prairie remnants, particularly those linked to the Loess Hills landform.
Pennisetia
raspberry clearwing moths
Pennisetia is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, commonly known as raspberry clearwing moths. The genus contains approximately 14 described species distributed across the Palearctic region and North America. Species in this genus are characterized by their wasp-mimicking appearance, with transparent wings and narrow dark borders. Pennisetia hylaeiformis, the type species, has been extensively studied for its pheromone biology and serves as a model for understanding sesiid chemical ecology.
Perithemis tenera
Eastern Amberwing
Perithemis tenera, commonly known as the Eastern Amberwing, is a very small dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae, reaching a maximum length of 25 mm. It is notable for being one of the few dragonflies that actively mimics a wasp, with yellow and brown abdominal stripes that deter predators. The species exhibits territorial behavior, with documented prior residency advantage in territorial disputes. Males have distinctive orange or amber wings, while both sexes display a red pterostigma.
Physocnemum
elm bark borer
Physocnemum is a small genus of longhorned beetles (family Cerambycidae) containing three described species found in North America. The genus is characterized by ant- and wasp-mimicking appearance, with dark bodies, small amounts of red coloration, and polished ivory-colored ridges at mid-elytra that create the illusion of a narrow waist. The most well-known species, P. brevilineum (elm bark borer), develops in the bark of living elm trees and has been documented as an occasional pest causing injury to inner bark and cambium. Other species include P. andreae (cypress bark borer) and P. violaceipenne.
Physocnemum brevilineum
Elm Bark Borer
A small, wasp-mimicking longhorned beetle commonly known as the elm bark borer. Adults are dark with reddish accents and possess polished ivory-colored longitudinal ridges at mid-elytra that create the illusion of a narrow wasp waist. The species is considered uncommon despite having a common name and documented pest status. Larvae typically mine within the bark of living elm trees but have been observed in recently dead trees as well, occasionally causing injury to inner bark and cambium.
Podosesia
Ash and Lilac Borer Moths
Podosesia is a genus of clearwing moths in the family Sesiidae, established by Möschler in 1879 after the original name Grotea was found to be preoccupied. The genus contains at least three described species in North America, including the economically significant lilac borer (P. syringae) and the banded ash clearwing (P. aureocincta). Larvae are wood-borers in woody plants of the olive family (Oleaceae), particularly ash, lilac, and privet. Adults are diurnal and exhibit wasp mimicry in both appearance and behavior.
Podosesia aureocincta
Banded Ash Borer Moth, Banded Ash Clearwing
Podosesia aureocincta is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae that infests ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). Unlike the invasive emerald ash borer, this native pest causes gradual damage over years or decades rather than rapid tree mortality. Adults emerge in late summer, exhibiting Batesian mimicry of paper wasps with their yellow-banded abdomens and clear wings. Larvae tunnel beneath bark, producing sawdust-like frass and round exit holes distinct from the D-shaped holes of emerald ash borer. The species is distributed across the Nearctic region.
Polybiomyia macquarti
Short-horned Wasp Fly
Polybiomyia macquarti is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, first described by Shannon in 1925. It is known by the common name Short-horned Wasp Fly. As a member of the tribe Cerioidini, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies that exhibit wasp mimicry. The species is documented in the Catalogue of Life and GBIF with accepted taxonomic status. Available records from iNaturalist indicate it is rarely observed, with only 12 documented observations.
Pryeria
Pryeria is a genus of zygaenid moths native to southeastern Asia, with three described species. The genus gained attention when Pryeria sinica was discovered in Virginia and Maryland in 2002, representing a new invasive pest of ornamental Euonymus shrubs in North America. The larvae are gregarious feeders that create distinctive marginal notches on leaves.
Pryeria sinica
euonymus leaf notcher, euonymus defoliator moth
Pryeria sinica is a univoltine zygaenid moth native to East Asia, introduced to the United States in 2002 where it has established populations in Maryland and Virginia. The species is a specialist herbivore of Celastraceae, particularly Euonymus species, where larvae feed gregariously and create distinctive marginal notches on leaves. Adults are diurnal wasp mimics with clear wings and aposematic coloration. The species has been reported more recently in the United Kingdom.
Pseudosphex leovazquezae
Pseudosphex leovazquezae is a moth in the subfamily Arctiinae (tiger moths) described by Pérez and Sánchez in 1986. The species is known from southern Texas, Mexico, and Guatemala. Adults are active from September to November in Texas. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits wasp mimicry, displaying yellow-black patterning and transparent wings that closely resemble stinging wasps.
Rhinotragini
Rhinotragini is a tribe of longhorn beetles within the subfamily Cerambycinae, characterized by diverse genera distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The tribe includes numerous genera with species showing striking wasp-like mimicry and associations with flowers. Taxonomic revisions have described multiple new genera and species, particularly from Bolivia, with ongoing work clarifying generic boundaries and species limits. Members range from small to medium-sized beetles, often with vivid coloration and elongated bodies.
Spilomyia foxleei
Foxlee's Hornet Fly
Spilomyia foxleei is a species of syrphid fly (hover fly) in the family Syrphidae, first described by Vockeroth in 1958. It belongs to a genus renowned for its striking mimicry of yellowjacket wasps, employing visual, behavioral, and acoustic deception. The species occurs in western North America, with documented records in British Columbia, Canada, and the Pacific states of the United States.