Myopa is a distinctive genus within the family Conopidae, comprising medium-sized thick-headed flies that are particularly characteristic of temperate regions of the Palearctic. Adults are readily recognised by their large, rounded head, strongly developed mouthparts, and a stout, often slightly arched abdomen. Many species are dark-bodied, sometimes with reddish or brownish tones, and show less obvious wasp mimicry than genera such as Conops.

Adult Myopa are most often encountered on flowers, where they feed on nectar and move deliberately rather than darting rapidly. The larvae are endoparasitoids of bees, especially solitary species. Females use a robust, curved ovipositor ⓘ to insert eggs directly into the host’s abdomen. The host continues normal activity for some time before succumbing. Species of Myopa are typical of woodland edges, hedgerows, and flower-rich grassland, and are an important component of the specialised parasitoid ⓘ fauna associated with wild bees.