Nomada? - Sphecomyia vittata

Sphecomyia vittata

These are awesome pictures of Sphecomyia vittata! They are syrphid flies which mimic very successful wasps....Great pictures of these beautiful flies.
Cheers
Martin

… Martin Hauser, 30 April, 2006 - 3:41pm

Thanks, guys and gals

My friend, who was cutting wood with me thought I was going bonkers when I ran to get my camara shouting "Don't let them get away!" Like, what could he do? Anyhow, life is grand.

… Steve Scott, 1 May, 2006 - 5:40pm

Polybiomyia

My guess is this is Polybiomyia. They are supposed to resemble the Polybia wasps. I think this qualifies. Highly unusual antenna in the syrphid group. There may be more than one species in Illinois but I think they are mostly southwestern if this is Poly. Only P. pedicellata occurred in Weems collections in the SE.

… Herschel Raney, 29 April, 2006 - 9:56pm

Syrphidae

Maybe Sphecomyia - possibly vittata? Just a guess.

… Jackie, 29 April, 2006 - 9:42pm

Sphec

Nice guess. Martin agrees. Fine shots now linked to my key.

… Herschel Raney, 30 April, 2006 - 4:19pm

These look like flies

with one pair of wings - Diptera - and a pair of halteres. Will check for similar images.

… john and jane balaban, 29 April, 2006 - 8:55pm

Wasp or Fly

Whatever they are the sure are beautiful. Nice shot.

… Lynette Schimming, 30 April, 2006 - 6:06am