Finding
Two levels of similarity of hoverflies to Hymenoptera have been recognised, specific mimicry, where there is a detailed resemblance in colour, morphology and behaviour to one or a few species of bee or wasp, and non-specific mimicry, where the resemblance is more general and much less precise, often to a group of hymenopterans rather than to one species.
Paper
The mimicry between British Syrphidae (Diptera) and aculeate Hymenoptera.
Citations: 19
Full textAbstract
Fifty-nine pairs of British hoverflies (Syrphidae) and bees or wasps (Hymenoptera) have been identified, which have similarities in morphology and colour pattern such that they may be examples of mimicry, with the hoverfly being a Batesian mimic of the hymenopteran. The study involved museum specimens supplemented by ecological and behavioural information in the literature, together with the experience of the insects in the field by a syrphid specialist and a hymenopteran specialist. In some cases field observations support the suggestion based on museum specimens that mimicry occurs, while in others field observations suggest that a different hymenopteran is actually the model. Two levels of similarity of hoverflies to Hymenoptera have been recognised, specific mimicry, where there is a detailed resemblance in colour, morphology and behaviour to one or a few species of bee or wasp, and non-specific mimicry, where the resemblance is more general and much less precise, often to a group of hymenopterans rather than to one species.
Authors
Brigitte Howarth, C. Clee, M. Edmunds
Journal
British journal of entomology and natural history