Sphecia (sfeshia)

[NL. (Hübner, 1816), σφήξ (σφηκ-), a wasp.] A genus of lepidopterous insects, of the family Ægeriidæ, having the abdomen moderate and no anal tuft; the hornet-moths. bembeciformis Two European species are the hornet-moth ( S. api form is ) and the lunar hornet-moth ( S. bembeciformis ). See Sesia. Sphecidæ (sfes ́i-dē), n . pl . [NL., also erroneously Sphegidæ, Sphex (Sphec-) + -idæ.] A family of fo orial hymenopterous insects, typ ified by the genus Sphex : same as Sphegidæ . Sphecius (sfe's hi-us), n. [NL. (Dahlbom, 1843), σφήξ ( σφηκ- ), a wasp.] A notable genus of digger-wasps, of the family Bembecidæ , having the middle tibiæ armed with two spurs at the apex, and the marginal cell of the fore wings lanceolate. The species are of large size and bright colors. S. speciosus is one of the largest of the Sphecius Sphecius speciosus , natural size. North American solitary wasps, and digs large cylindrical burrows which it stores with stung cicadas, particularly with the dog-day harvest-fly ( Cicada tibicen ).