Myopa rubida

(Bigot, 1887)

Myopa rubida is a of thick-headed fly in the Conopidae, first described by Bigot in 1887. Like all conopids, it is an internal of bees and . The Myopa is seldom recorded, partly due to identification difficulties. Species in this genus are sometimes known as 'beegrabbers' for their habit of intercepting insects in to oviposit between abdominal segments.

Thick-headed Fly - Myopa rubida, Yuba Pass, Sierra County, California by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Conopid - Myopa rubida, Yuba Pass, California by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Myopa rubida: //ˈmaɪ.oʊ.pə ˈruː.bɪ.də//

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Distribution

The has been documented through iNaturalist observations, though specific geographic range details are not well established in available sources.

Diet

As a member of Conopidae, Myopa rubida is an internal of bees and . The female intercepts in and oviposits between segments of the host's . The larva develops internally within the host.

Life Cycle

Conopid flies have a parasitic involving , larval, pupal, and stages. Eggs are deposited directly into the insect. Larvae develop internally, eventually killing the host. typically occurs in the soil after the host dies. Specific details for M. rubida are not documented.

Behavior

females exhibit a distinctive interception , ambushing bees and in to deposit . This 'beegrabber' strategy is characteristic of the Myopa.

Ecological Role

As a of bees and , M. rubida contributes to of its . The ecological impacts are poorly studied due to limited records of this .

Similar Taxa

Myopa tessellatipennisBoth are members of the Myopa, sharing the characteristic stout build, broad , and curved abdominal posture typical of conopid flies. M. tessellatipennis is more frequently recorded and has been studied in relation to associations.
Sicus ferrugineusAnother conopid fly that parasitizes bees and . More commonly encountered than Myopa , with similar overall and strategy.
Conops quadrifasciatusA conopid fly with similar parasitic lifestyle on hymenopterans. More frequently recorded than Myopa in some regions.

More Details

Taxonomic obscurity

The Myopa is notably under-recorded in entomological surveys. This may reflect genuine rarity, but more likely stems from identification difficulties, brief periods, and the secretive habits of these flies.

Host uncertainty

Unlike some better-studied conopids, the specific of M. rubida remains undocumented. Related Myopa species have been tentatively linked to mining bees (Andrena), but no direct observations confirm this for M. rubida.