(Ctenophora flaveolata)

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bonitin Gent, Belgium(Zone 8a) Oct 25, 2006

Post #2849268

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blue_cherry Vancouver, BC May 13, 2007

This looks like a wasp--unless it's wasp-like antennae and what appears to be a stinger at the tip of its abdomen are just visual defense mechanisms. Also, some flies bite, but none sting.

Post #3492280

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bonitin Gent, Belgium(Zone 8a) May 13, 2007

blue-cherry, I also thought it was a wasp, but I had put it in the Bug ID, and it was identified as a Crane fly.
Here is another picture of the same bug in profile;

Post #3492444

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blue_cherry Vancouver, BC May 13, 2007

Alas, the 2nd pic didn't come through! could you try again to post it? btw, for argument's sake, how do you know the 'Bug ID' source you're talking about is 100% correct, 100% of the time? I still say it's a wasp!

Post #3493794

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bonitin Gent, Belgium(Zone 8a) May 13, 2007

I am sorry, Blue-cherry, I didn't realise the picture didn't come through.

I don't know if the fly or wasp has been identified correctly but I have not enough knowledge to judge and I leave that to the specialists.

Post #3493837

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blue_cherry Vancouver, BC May 13, 2007

Hello again-

Seeing the creature laterally--particularly in the face--I have to admit that it DOES look more fly-like---so I'm assuming it's resemblance to a wasp is a genetic defense mechanism, in the same sense that some butterflies and moths, for example, resemble leaves or bark, or have circular designs on their wings that look like 'eyes'. If you're a 'bug person' in general, you may be aware that there are some exotic species of Praying Mantis that have colouration and petal-like appendages that make them look like flowers--exactly like flowers!--which enables them to easily attract prey.

I'm a visual artist but have loved and studied bugs all my life!

Post #3493934

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bonitin Gent, Belgium(Zone 8a) May 14, 2007

yes, I am a 'bug person' in the sense that they fascinate me, like all creatures in nature fascinate me and I was aware of these phenomena like mimicry with insects and even with plants like some orchids imitating being a female bee. But I am an artist and not a scientist.

Post #3494232

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blue_cherry Vancouver, BC May 14, 2007

I'm also an artist (visual). For the past 3 years I've been applying my experience as such to digital art. Here's a link [if it works!] for some of my current stuff:

URL=http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/556308726oYaBUS][IMG]http://thumb4.webshots.net/t/16/17/8/38/13/2372838130077258964XfrLVs_th.jpg[/IMG][/URL]