Large-fly
Guides
Mydas clavatus
Clubbed Mydas Fly
Mydas clavatus is a large, striking mydas fly native to temperate eastern North America. Adults are notable Batesian mimics of spider wasps, displaying bold behavior enabled by their wasp-like appearance. The species is distinguished by a prominent orange to red abdominal marking and clubbed antennae—a trait shared across the genus. Adults are active in mid-summer and have been documented visiting diverse flowering plants for nectar.
Batesian-mimicrywasp-mimicpollinatorwoodboring-predatorMydidaeDipteraeastern-North-Americamid-summernectar-feederscarab-beetle-predatorclubbed-antennaeorange-abdominal-markingspider-wasp-mimicharmlessconspicuousbold-behaviormock-stinging-displayheart-rot-habitatOsmoderma-predatorflowering-plant-visitorlarge-flyglabrate-bodytemperate-forestmeadowgarden-visitordeciduous-woodlandMydas fulvifrons
Mydas fulvifrons is a species of mydas fly (family Mydidae), a group of large, wasp-mimicking flies related to robber flies. The genus Mydas contains some of the largest flies in North America. Like other mydas flies, adults are presumed to be nectar feeders, while larvae are believed to be predators of woodboring beetle larvae. The specific epithet 'fulvifrons' refers to the tawny or yellowish-brown frontal region of the head.
Mydas tibialis
Golden-legged Mydas Fly, golden legged mydas fly
Mydas tibialis, commonly known as the golden-legged mydas fly, is a large, striking mydas fly in the family Mydidae. The species is notable for its impressive size and distinctive golden-orange coloration on the legs, from which its common name derives. It occurs in North America, where adults have been observed visiting flowers, particularly those of Eryngium yuccifolium (rattlesnake master). The family Mydidae contains some of the largest flies in North America, and M. tibialis exemplifies this characteristic with its robust build.