The major visible plates along the dorsal midline of the mesosoma are: pronotal collar (low in Bembix, relative to the mesoscutum); mesoscutum (often simply called the scutum); scutellum; metanotum (very short); and the propodeum. When the wings are in the usual position at rest, the propodeum is obscured, as it is in species with particularly dense setae (hairs).

The U-shaped yellow mark on the mesoscutum is referred to as a discal mark. In some individuals (and species), the discal marks are much narrower than this, and the segments of the U are often not connected.

Bembix variabilis

Image courtesy Reiner Richter
https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/observations/25727992