mydas

Mydas is a genus of flies in the family Mydidae, commonly known as mydas flies. The genus comprises dozens of described species and is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, with a concentration in the Americas. Adults are among the larger Diptera and are notable for their robust bodies and wasp-like coloration, which provides mimicry against predators. Sizes commonly range from about 15 to 40 millimeters in length depending on the species. The wings are clear to lightly tinted, and the antennae are relatively short. Many species display bold black and yellow or brown markings, though patterns vary.

Mydas adults are diurnal and often frequent flowers to feed on nectar and pollen. They are strong fliers and can be seen patrolling open habitats such as grasslands, savannas, and clearings in forests.

Life cycle and ecology: Eggs are laid in soil, leaf litter, or crevices. The larvae are campodeiform and predatory or parasitoids, living in soil or decaying wood and preying on other insect larvae, including beetle larvae. Development can span multiple seasons, depending on species and climate. Adults serve as pollinators for certain flowers, though their role is not as prominent as that of many other pollinators.

Systematics: Mydas is one of the larger genera within Mydidae; species-level identification relies on characteristics of the wing venation, body patterning, and genitalia. The group is of interest to researchers studying mimicry and dipteran evolution.