Years ago, the sight of a yellow jacket would have sent me running in near-terror in the opposite direction. Why is a long story I'll relate in another post, but suffice it to say that I've changed both my opinions towards hymenoptera and my inclination to flee. Indeed, these days, I'm more likely to stay still and watch members of the wasp family... especially if the individual is a member of the Spilomyia longicornus clan. These insects no longer make my blood run cold, and for good reason: these insects aren't wasps. Despite a remarkable resemblance to the ferocious Yellow Jacket,  S. longicornus is actually a fly shaped by eons of evolution into a mimic of the real thing. When I'm watching the hydrangea blossoms for hymenoptera, I'm hoping that I'll see an Eastern Hornet Fly. Today, my wish came true.