Mydas davidsoni
Wilcox, Papavero & Pimentel, 1989
Mydas davidsoni is a of mydas fly in the Mydidae, described in 1989. The Mydas contains some of the largest flies in North America. Like other mydas flies, are presumably mimics of spider wasps (family Pompilidae), with black bodies and red or orange markings. The species is known from very few observations.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mydas davidsoni: //ˈmaɪdəs ˌdævɪdˈsoʊnaɪ//
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Identification
Mydas davidsoni can be distinguished from the more widespread Mydas clavatus by specific morphological features, though published diagnostic characters are limited. Members of the Mydas are recognized by their large size (often 25–40 mm), elongate clubbed , and distinctive coloration of black with red or orange abdominal markings. The wing venation and genitalia structure separate Mydidae from similar-appearing robber flies (Asilidae), which have short antennae.
Distribution
Known from the southwestern United States. The type locality and precise range are poorly documented due to the ' rarity and limited collection records.
Similar Taxa
- Mydas clavatusVery similar in appearance with black body and red/orange abdominal banding; much more common and widespread across eastern North America. M. clavatus has been reported to reach 40 mm in length and exhibits of spider wasps in the Anoplius.
- Mydas tibialisAnother large North American mydas fly with golden legs, distinguished by yellowish tibiae and different abdominal pattern; observed visiting flowers of Eryngium yuccifolium in Missouri.
- Stizoides renicinctusA kleptoparasitic in Crabronidae that closely resembles mydas flies in having black body with orange band on second abdominal segment; distinguished by wasp waist, shorter , and different wing venation.
More Details
Taxonomic note
Mydas davidsoni was described by Wilcox, Papavero & Pimentel in 1989. The Mydas currently contains approximately 10 in North America. The Mydidae is a small family of flies with only about 500 species worldwide, characterized by large body size and presumed mimicry of stinging .
Data scarcity
As of the available sources, iNaturalist records only 3 observations for this , indicating it is exceptionally rare or undercollected. No published information specific to M. davidsoni exists in the provided sources.