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Photo#9691
wasp-like flower fly - Temnostoma - female
Copyright © 2004 Robin McLeod

wasp-like flower fly - Temnostoma - Female
near Ailsa Craig, Ontario, Canada
June 4, 2004
IDed as Temnostoma sp. by Dr. Jeff Skevington (identifying to species would require a specimen). On violet leaf at edge of woods. Five species occur in Ontario; other images at Cedar Creek.
Contributed by Robin McLeod on 11 January, 2005 - 7:40pm

A superb wasp mimic
Several Temonostoma species, like this one, mimic eumenine mason wasps. Note the darkened leading edge of the wing, to simulate the way mason wasps fold their wings longitudinally. Also, the flies wave their front legs in front of their face to simulate the long antennae of the wasp! This one appears to be simply cleaning itself.
… Eric R. Eaton, 12 January, 2005 - 11:37am

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