Is it a wasp? It looks like one

Subject: Pompilidae or Mimic?

Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies

July 21, 2012 11:05 pm

This insect emerged from a chrysalis in an office on Grand Cayman (British West Indies) yesterday. Since I don’t think it fits the wasp life cycle, I suppose it probably isn’t a spider-hunting wasp, but more likely a moth that looks similar to one. Can you identify it? Thanks very much. I love What’s That Bug!

Signature:

Melissa

Answer:

Hi Melissa,

This Spotted Oleander Caterpillar Moth, Empyreuma affinis, or a closely related species or subspecies, is a very effective wasp mimic.

Note:

The Spotted Oleander Caterpillar Moth, Empyreuma affinis, is a common Caribbean species that was recently introduced to Florida.

For more on this story go to:

http://www.whatsthatbug.com/2012/07/23/spotted-oleander-caterpillar-moth-from-cayman-islands/