Although the appearance of S. longicornis is remarkably similar to a vespid wasp, it is a fly and cannot sting.

[3] These flies can be found near and around flowers that produce pollen and nectar, which they feed on.

[7] These nutrients, which are not consumed by S. longicornis flies until adulthood, are important for vitellogenesis, also known as yolk deposition.

[2] S. longicornis flies mimic vespid wasps in three main ways: physically, behaviorally, and auditorily.

[5] Their abdomen is yellow with black stripes, and the thorax and head are similarly colored.

Behaviorally, S. longicornis flies mimic the way common wasps move their antennae.

[11] When threatened, S. longicornis bend their abdomen in a similar fashion to wasps who are stinging a predator.

Finally, it has been documented that S. longicornis flies, when threatened, produce a different buzzing sound than normal.