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Wasp Mimic Bee Fly

Subgenus Systropus

Published on Project Noah
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15.1146, -89.6484

Field Notes

Description:

About the size of a typical wasp. Black and yellow head thorax and legs with a redish orange abdomen. pretty long antennae for a bee fly and a long probiscus type mouthpart. Flys around with first two sets of legs close to body while the long rear legs hang down. When approaching a flower to feed it grabs the flower with itsupper legs like arms and hands. So cute to watch.

Habitat:

Guatemalan forest.

Notes:

First spotted the mating pair. They were flying around flower to flower. One was feeding and the other was just keeping eyes out on the back end..

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)

@mark why yes it does resemble that wasp!! when I first spotted it, I was really baffled at what it could be. @john b. THank You! Im am sure glad to share the wonders with others who appreciate it!
Wonderful spotting ! Strong resemblance to some Gasteruptiidae in flight and yet it's a fly. Love it. Super photography too.. thanks for showing us this.
What amazing pictures and a really great spotting. Thank you for sharing yet another unusual creature!
Photographed
PublishedDecember 13, 2023

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