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Pseudosphex
Pseudosphex is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae. The genus was erected by Jacob Hübner in 1818. These moths are mimics of a variety of Hymenoptera. The prefix pseudo means "false", and Sphex is a genus of wasps. "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."
Article summary
Pseudosphex is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae. The genus was erected by Jacob Hübner in 1818. These moths are mimics of a variety of Hymenoptera. The prefix pseudo means "false", and Sphex is a genus of wasps. "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."
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
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