Stratiomyidae

Stratiomyidae is a large family of true flies comprising over 2,700 species in more than 380 extant genera worldwide. Adults exhibit considerable diversity in size (3–20 mm) and form, often displaying metallic green coloration or wasp-like black-and-yellow patterning. The family is distinguished by unique larval biology: larvae occupy diverse habitats including wetlands, damp soils, decaying organic matter, animal excrement, and under bark. Many species have aquatic or semi-aquatic larvae. Adults are typically inactive, resting with wings folded one above the other over the abdomen, and are found near larval habitats. The family has gained significant attention for the waste-recycling capabilities of Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly), whose larvae efficiently convert organic waste into protein-rich biomass.