Since the external distinguishing features in the aforementioned species from Bembecia ichneumoniformis are small, a reliable determination should be made by specialists, and a genital morphological analysis is also advisable for clear assignment.

Like all the moths of the family Sesiidae, this species is similar in appearance and flight to a hymenopteran more than to a lepidopteran.

The wings are partially free of scales (transparent areas) and narrower and more elongated than those of other butterfly families.

In fact the Latin name ichneumoniformis means that its shape and colors, as well as the structure of its wings, evokes certain ichneumonids, not a butterfly.

It is likely that the alternating yellow and black bands protects this species from certain predators that associate these colors with those of insects with darts and venom such as wasps and bees.