Mydas audax
Osten Sacken, 1874
Mydas audax is a of mydas fly (Diptera: Mydidae) described by Osten Sacken in 1874. Mydas flies are among the largest flies in North America and are characterized by their elongate, clubbed . The Mydidae is relatively small and poorly known, with most species occurring in arid and semi-arid regions. Information specific to M. audax is sparse in published literature.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mydas audax: //ˈmaɪdəs ˈaʊdæks//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Mydas flies can be distinguished from superficially similar robber flies (Asilidae) by their elongate, clubbed ; robber flies have short, non-clubbed antennae. Within the Mydas, identification typically requires examination of detailed morphological characters not readily visible in field observations. The large body size and -mimicking coloration (often black with red or orange markings) are characteristic of the genus.
Distribution
The specific distribution of Mydas audax is not well documented in available sources. The Mydas occurs primarily in western North America, with some ranging into Mexico.
Similar Taxa
- Ospriocerus abdominalisSimilar large size and -mimicking coloration with black body and red abdominal markings, but distinguished by short (robber fly) versus elongate clubbed antennae (mydas fly)
- Wyliea mydasSimilar large size and -mimicking appearance; both are asilid robber flies with mimetic coloration presumably modeled after spider wasps (Pompilidae), but Wyliea mydas has wholly black and red wings versus different color patterns in Mydas
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The specific epithet 'audax' has been used in multiple unrelated , including Agrilus audax (Buprestidae, a ) and Phidippus audax (Salticidae, a jumping spider). These taxa are not related to Mydas audax and share only the species name.