This very large fly is approximately 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) in length. It is entirely black on the head, thorax and abdomen with bright orange antennae. The femurs are black and the tibia and tarsii are orange. The wings are smoky brown. These flies are probably wasp mimics, as they resemble spider wasps. The large size may be intimidating, but they are harmless to humans.
This Mydas fly is uncommon in fields of flowers in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. The individual shown here was photographed on Rattlesnake Master at Camp Brewster, Fontenelle Forest in early July.
There are 17 species in the genus Mydas in North America. The larvae live in decaying wood and are believed to be predatory on beetle grubs.
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