Micro Bee Flies

Mythicomyiidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Asiloidea
Family: Mythicomyiidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mythicomyiidae: /ˌmɪθɪkoʊˈmaɪɪˌdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Summary

Mythicomyiidae, or micro bee flies, are small flies mostly found in desert regions worldwide. They are primarily known for their parasitic larval stage, targeting solitary bees, and have been recognized as a separate family from Bombyliidae based on distinct morphological features.

Physical Characteristics

Very tiny flies measuring 0.5–5.0 mm with a humpbacked thorax; bristles on the legs other than apical bristles lacking; lacks dense vestiture common in Bombyliidae.

Identification Tips

Sympatric species can typically be identified by bristle patterns and wing vein structure, specifically the unbranched R4+5 and short or absent R2+3. Adult thorax bristles are not strongly developed.

Habitat

Found throughout most parts of the world, especially in desert and semi-desert regions, but less common in tropics and absent in highest altitudes and latitudes.

Distribution

About 350 species are known globally, with a high diversity in Africa, especially northern and southern portions.

Diet

Larvae are gregarious parasites of solitary bees; some genera, like Glabellula, may be predators of other insects.

Life Cycle

Life cycle details are sparse; larvae typically parasitize solitary bees.

Reproduction

Specific reproduction methods not detailed; overall observations suggest larval parasitism as a reproductive strategy.

Predators

Possible predators include Glabellula and exotic species like Psiloderoides, which prey on grasshopper egg pods.

Ecosystem Role

They act as both parasites and possible predators, influencing the population dynamics of their hosts.

Economic Impact

Due to their parasitic nature on bees, they may impact pollinator populations and ecosystem health but specific economic impacts are not detailed.

Collecting Methods

Yellow pan trapping
Fine-mesh netting
Malaise netting
Aerial sweep nets

Evolution

Mythicomyiids are considered a much older lineage than Bombyliidae, with fossil records dating back to the Middle Jurassic.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Due to their small size and body shape, they have previously been confused with other fly families like Acroceridae or Empididae.