Soldier flies

Stratiomyidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Stratiomyidae: //ˌstrætioʊˈmaɪɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Ptecticus aculeatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Auloceromyia sp. by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Ptecticus aculeatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Auloceromyia sp. by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Auloceromyia sp. by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Ptecticus aculeatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

The Stratiomyidae, or soldier flies, are diverse flies characterized by their metallic appearance and habits ranging from scavenging to being aquatic. They are a significant family within the dipterans with a global distribution and ecological importance in nutrient cycling.

Physical Characteristics

Flies range from very small to large, approximately 2‒20 mm in length. They commonly exhibit a metallic green coloration and may have black and yellow or green patterns. The wings are folded scissor-like over the abdomen when at rest, and the wing venation is distinctive with a small discal cell. Larvae are torpedo-shaped, flattened, and with a firm cuticle in some species.

Identification Tips

Look for their characteristic wing folding at rest; check for metallic color; adult size typically ranges from 2 to 28 mm; larvae can be recognized by their torpedo shape and habitat (decaying organic matter or aquatic environments).

Habitat

Larvae are found in decaying plant matter, leaf litter, rotting fruit, under bark of fallen trees, and some are aquatic (in ponds, rivers, tree holes, seepage areas). Adults frequent areas near larval habitats and visit flowers.

Distribution

Worldwide, with highest diversity in the Neotropics (about 1,000 species), also present throughout North America.

Diet

Larvae are primarily saprophagous, feeding on decaying organic matter. Aquatic larvae feed on algae and other aquatic organisms. Adults may feed on nectar or may not feed at all.

Life Cycle

Development includes multiple larval stages, typically up to 10. Pupation occurs inside the last larval skin, a characteristic of this family.

Reproduction

Adults typically dedicate their short lives to reproduction, with no feeding relationships with the larval growth substrate.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae help in the breakdown of organic materials, contributing to nutrient recycling in ecosystems. They may also serve as a food source for predators in their habitats.

Economic Impact

Some species, such as Inopus rubriceps, can be pests, particularly in agriculture (e.g., sugarcane in Australia).

Collecting Methods

  • Traps near larval habitats
  • Netting adults around flowers

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation for larvae
  • Drying specimens for adults

Evolution

Stratiomyidae share a close relationship with the family Xylomyidae and form a monophyletic clade with Pantophthalmidae based on shared synapomorphies.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often misspelled as Stratiomyiidae; commonly referred to as soldier flies due to the appearance of the adults and larvae resembling soldiers.

Tags

  • Diptera
  • Stratiomyidae
  • Soldier flies
  • Ecology
  • Larvae