Stratiomys maculosa
(Loew, 1866)
spotted soldier fly
Stratiomys maculosa is a of soldier fly in the Stratiomyidae, commonly known as the spotted soldier fly. It is native to western North America, with documented occurrence from British Columbia through California and inland to Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. The species is associated with riparian and is known to visit flowers.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stratiomys maculosa: //strætiˈoʊmɪs ˌmækjuˈloʊsə//
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Identification
Stratiomys are recognized by their robust, -mimicking appearance with black and yellow coloration. Within the , S. maculosa is distinguished by specific spotted patterning referenced in its specific epithet. may be confused with vespid wasps due to convergent coloration, but can be distinguished by dipteran characters including single pair of wings (with ), short , and the characteristic soldier fly shape with large .
Images
Habitat
Riparian and areas near water sources. Associated with flowering vegetation in these environments.
Distribution
Western North America: British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah.
Diet
feed on flowers. Larval diet is not documented for this , though Stratiomyidae larvae are generally aquatic or semi-aquatic .
Behavior
have been observed visiting flowers. Specific behavioral details are not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Hoplitimyia mutabilisSimilar black and yellow -mimicking coloration and robust body form, but distinguished by -level characters and geographic distribution (South America vs. western North America for S. maculosa).
- Syrphidae (hoverflies)Convergent -mimicking coloration and flower-visiting ; distinguished by wing venation, presence of spurious in many syrphids, and overall body proportions.
- Vespidae (wasps)Mimicked in appearance; distinguished by two pairs of wings, narrow petiole ( waist), and chewing mouthparts versus single wing pair, broad waist, and sponging mouthparts in flies.
More Details
Etymology
Specific epithet 'maculosa' refers to the spotted pattern characteristic of this .