Pseudosphex

Pseudosphex is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae. The genus was erected by Jacob Hübner in 1818.[1][2] These moths are mimics of a variety of Hymenoptera. The prefix pseudo means "false", and Sphex is a genus of wasps.

Pseudosphex
Pseudosphex laticinctus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Erebidae
Subfamily: Arctiinae
Subtribe: Euchromiina
Genus: Pseudosphex
Hübner, 1818
Synonyms
  • Sphecomorpha Hübner, 1808
  • Abrochia Herrich-Schäffer, [1855]
  • Chrysostola Herrich-Schäffer, [1855]
  • Sphecopsyche Dognin, 1898
  • Pseudargyroeides Klages, 1906
  • Pseudargyroides Zerny, 1912

"In the cases of moths being like various species of the Hymenoptera aculeata [stinging wasps] it is impossible to argue that the same environment and general conditions can produce habits in moths which are of no use whatever to them except as a disguise. But if the moths themselves were not like the wasps one might argue that it was accidental that the habits were so alike, but the general appearance and structure are in conjunction with the habits so alike that in the species of Pseudosphex it is impossible to distinguish moth from wasp on the flower-heads of Ageratum conyzoides unless one is within eighteen inches or so, while on the wing at any distance it is quite impossible to distinguish them ... the species of Pseudosphex are mimics of the highest degree."[3]

Species
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References
  1. Savela, Markku. "Pseudosphex Hübner, 1818". Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  2. Beccaloni, G.; Scoble, M.; Kitching, I.; Simonsen, T.; Robinson, G.; Pitkin, B.; Hine, A.; Lyal, C., eds. (2003). "Pseudosphex". The Global Lepidoptera Names Index. Natural History Museum. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  3. Kaye, W. J. (1913). "A few observations on mimicry". Transactions of the Entomological Society London. 1913: 1-10.


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