Mydas Flies
What are they?
An interesting group of insects which tend to be rather elusive and hard to study. Most species resemble wasps - especially the spider- or cricket-hunting wasps - and tend to mostly black or rusty-brown with patches of yellow or orange. The larvae are most often found in rotting wood and appear to be predatory on beetle larvae. Adults are hard to find but should be looked for around flowering plants in wooded areas in summer.
Identification
Mydas flies can be told from wasps by their typical fly-like eyes and by the prominent, club-tipped antennae. Most species can be identified by the distribution of yellow or orange coloration on the antennae, legs, face or body.
Mydas brunneus
A woodland species that can be found feeding at Sweet Pepperbush flowers during the summer.
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