Mydas Fly vs Caterpillar Tachinid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mydas Fly | Caterpillar Tachinid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gauromydas heros | Lydella thompsoni |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Mydidae | Tachinidae |
| Size | 40-60 mm body | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Farmland |
| Diet | Detritivores | Parasites |
| Regions | South America | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Mydas Fly
The largest fly in the world at up to 60 mm long with a 100 mm wingspan. A wasp mimic with black body and orange-red markings. Larvae develop in ant nests.
Did You Know?
At 6 cm long with a 10 cm wingspan, this is the worlds largest fly — it mimics a spider wasp so convincingly that even entomologists can be fooled at first glance.
Caterpillar Tachinid
A small gray parasitic fly that attacks European corn borer larvae. It was introduced to North America as a biological control agent.
Did You Know?
Females deposit live larvae rather than eggs directly onto the host caterpillar.