Type of wasp? - Spilomyia texana

Moved

… Martin Hauser, 27 November, 2017 - 5:21pm

There is an obvious interrupt

There is an obvious interrupted black band on tergite 4 across middle of tergite which makes me think alcimus. I have sent it to Martin for another opinion.

… Bill Dean, 15 November, 2017 - 2:46pm

I think it is texana, althoug

I think it is texana, althoughI can not see the spot above the propleuron. But all texana specimens are more a darker orange, while alcimus is more yellow. Also I have seen texana from texas, but alcimus not.... but without the specimen on hand, this is not 100%

… Martin Hauser, 27 November, 2017 - 5:23pm

Moved

Moved from ID Request.

… Jeff Brown, 9 May, 2017 - 10:47pm

ID to species if possible

Jeff Brown was kind enough to give me a good idea what this is (Syrphid Fly) but was not sure about the species. If possible, I would like to know which it is before it's moved from the ID Request tab.

… Deanne M., 9 May, 2017 - 4:18pm

Sometimes moving is preferred

Many of our specialist do not bother looking through ID Request. Sometimes it takes an expert to see the subtle differences between the complex of possible species. Other times, a clear difference may not be visible in the image.
Sometimes it is better to move down the levels, from the super-family or family level, down to the genus or sub-genus level, while you wait for an expert to see your post and then give you a valid review.
In this case, I would recommend moving this to the genus level for Spilomyia. The image should be re-cropped and replaced. Please crop your shots so that the bug fills up most of the frame.

… Bob Biagi, 9 May, 2017 - 9:33pm

Wasp Mimic

It is a Syrphid Fly who successfully tricked you into thinking it is a wasp!

Genus Spilomyia, possibly Spilomyia alcimus, but would prefer confirmation before moving to species level. Spilomyia texana can look very similar.

… Jeff Brown, 9 May, 2017 - 12:56pm

Wow! A type of fly!

I would never have thought this was a type of fly. It sure DID trick me into thinking it was a wasp, in its coloring, shape and size. It was pretty good sized for a fly. From what I have read, they are good to have around the garden. Thank you for the ID.

… Deanne M., 9 May, 2017 - 3:58pm

wasp mimic

this insect uses its front legs to imitate a wasp's antennae, something sort of caught in your photo. The fly even moves its legs in imitation of the antenna of a wasp in motion. This is called behavioral mimicry. Remarkable!

… Stephen Fox, 27 January, 2018 - 2:40pm