Syrphid Fly ~ Spilomiya longicornis
I am amazed at the number of insect mimics I've seen this year in the yard. It's hard to keep track of which one is mimicking another and why.
This Syrphid Fly first appeared last year when our
Stiff Goldenrod was flowering. I was able to photograph one again just last week.
It was perched on some Boneset leaves and was waving its forelegs much like the
Stilt Legged Fly does. I assume this mimics the longer antennae of wasps. So not only is this fly colored like a black and yellow wasp, it is also trying to mimic behaviors of wasps.
These flies like to nectar on late summer flowers in our yard, I have seen them on Goldenrods as well as Asters. The markings on the face are intriguing with the large eyes spotted with yellow.
David at
Montana Wildlife Gardener blogged recently about two western
Spilomyia species.
Thanks for the shout-out! I am so intrigued by all these mimics- their mimicry is so complex, beautiful and fascinating. Again, wonderful photos- they even show how the forelegs are black to mimic longer yellow jacket antennae. Thanks again,
ReplyDeleteDavid
So, tell me how you know this is a fly and not a wasp? I think it has to do with the wings, right?
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to hearing about the results of your insect collection.
Heather
Hi Ellen,
ReplyDeleteFlies have only two wings and wasps have four, some flies have little round bulb like things near where their wings attach which may be the remains of their other two wings. Also, flies have short antennae and wasps are typically much longer.
Those are two of the major differences to look for.
Heather