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Mydas Fly Amongst a large group of honey bees this fly was a very active and ambitious feeder.<br />
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The Mydidae (alternative spelling Mydaidae), or Mydas flies, are a cosmopolitan family of flies. It is a small family, with about 471 species described. They are generally large in size, including the largest known fly, Gauromydas heros (syn. Mydas heros). Many of the species, in addition to their large size, are mimics of stinging hymenopterans, especially wasps. Most mydids are found in arid and semiarid regions of the world, but they are also found in other habitats. Geotagged,Mydas ventralis,Summer,United States,ventralis Click/tap to enlarge PromotedSpecies introCountry intro

Mydas Fly

Amongst a large group of honey bees this fly was a very active and ambitious feeder.

The Mydidae (alternative spelling Mydaidae), or Mydas flies, are a cosmopolitan family of flies. It is a small family, with about 471 species described. They are generally large in size, including the largest known fly, Gauromydas heros (syn. Mydas heros). Many of the species, in addition to their large size, are mimics of stinging hymenopterans, especially wasps. Most mydids are found in arid and semiarid regions of the world, but they are also found in other habitats.

    comments (2)

  1. Well, this is interesting. Despite being a cosmopolitan family of flies, you posted the first in the family. Wikipedia further continues to mention that they are little studied, and not frequently encountered as an adult due to their short lifespan.

    Looks like you got a lucky break, cool!
    Posted 7 years ago
    1. I am going to try getting more detailed images this week. I have a nectar rich cactus bloom in my backyard that is attracting 1000’s of bees and I have seen two of these mixed in. Posted 7 years ago

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''Mydas ventralis'' is a species of mydas flies in the family Mydidae.

Similar species: True Flies
Species identified by Stephen Philips
View Stephen Philips's profile

By Stephen Philips

All rights reserved
Uploaded Jul 3, 2018. Captured Jul 3, 2018 15:17 in E Britton Way, Tucson, AZ 85739, USA.
  • Canon EOS 5DS R
  • f/5.0
  • 1/640s
  • ISO640
  • 248mm