Photo 4560309, (c) laurenjansensimpson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by laurenjansensimpson

Attribution © laurenjansensimpson
some rights reserved
Uploaded by laurenjansensimpson laurenjansensimpson
Source iNaturalist
Associated observations

Photos / Sounds

What

Southwestern Squash Vine Borer (Eichlinia calabaza)

Date

August 2016

Description

Single individual observed feeding on African blue basil. I do not believe that I have ever seen this species before at the location. As it fed, its wings flapped rapidly, and what looked like thickly covered hind legs pulsated up and down rhythmically. I am placing it in the Sesiidae family because it has some features that are similar to those of Melittia calabaza (which I have seen at this location, but which this specimen is not). Any help on identification would be greatly appreciated.

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