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ClearwingsBlue winged wasp?
May 22, 2010
Hi, My wife took this picture and I searched but was unable to identify what kind of insect this is. Not sure if it’s a wasp or a moth masquerading as a wasp. Would love your opinion!
Penley
Austin Texas
Squash Vine Borer
Dear Penley,
Just because it looks like a wasp, does not mean it is a wasp. Because many wasps sting if provoked, several different groups of insects, but especially moths and flies, mimic wasps for protection. This is a Squash Vine Borer, Melittia cucurbitae, a member of the clearwing wasp moth family Sesiidae. You can compare your individual to the numerous images posted to BugGuide.
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