About Mydas clavatus (Drury, 1773)
Mydas clavatus (Drury, 1773) are large, black, somewhat glabrate flies. They measure between 25 and 30 mm in length, and their wingspan can exceed 50 mm. A distinct orange to red marking is visible on the underside of the second abdominal segment. Their visual mimicry of stinging insects is paired with a defensive behavior: they curl and jab their abdomen in a fake stinging motion. This species occurs in a range of different habitats, including deciduous woodlands, fields, meadows, gardens, and other habitat types.
