Polarized-light-vision
Guides
Hedriodiscus leucogaster
Hedriodiscus leucogaster is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by James in 1933. The genus Hedriodiscus is closely related to Psellidotus; these two genera are readily distinguishable in the Nearctic region but their distinction becomes less clear in the Neotropics, particularly in South America. Most species in both genera are poorly known beyond their original descriptions. Larvae of the subfamily Stratiomyinae are aquatic, and adults of this subfamily often exhibit patterned eyes with horizontal banding, suggesting an ability to detect horizontally polarized light.
Hedriodiscus varipes
Hedriodiscus varipes is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. The genus Hedriodiscus belongs to the subfamily Stratiomyinae, whose larvae are known to be aquatic. Adults of related species in this subfamily exhibit patterned eyes with horizontal banding, suggesting an ability to detect horizontally polarized light. The species is distributed in Canada and the United States.
Hoplitimyia sp-near-mutabilis
A wasp-mimicking soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, originally misidentified as a vespid wasp due to its black and yellow coloration and flight behavior. The species exhibits striking, sexually dimorphic eye patterns and has aquatic larvae. Adults are highly active and reluctant to settle, making observation and photography challenging. The specimen discussed was collected in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, and identified by dipterist Martin Hauser as likely belonging to the genus Hoplitimyia, possibly near H. mutabilis, though species boundaries in this group remain unresolved.
Odontomyia cincta
Odontomyia cincta is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. The species is known from the United States and Canada, with distribution records from Vermont and other locations. As a member of the subfamily Stratiomyinae, its larvae are likely aquatic, a trait characteristic of this subfamily. Adults are recognized by features typical of the genus Odontomyia, including patterned eyes with horizontal banding that may facilitate detection of horizontally polarized light.
Odontomyia hoodiana
Odontomyia hoodiana is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by Bigot in 1887. The genus Odontomyia belongs to the subfamily Stratiomyinae, a group whose larvae are typically aquatic. As with many soldier flies, adults likely exhibit patterned eyes with horizontal banding, a trait common in this subfamily that has been linked to detection of horizontally polarized light. The species is known from North America (Canada, United States, and Mexico).
Odontomyia interrupta
Odontomyia interrupta is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. The genus Odontomyia belongs to the subfamily Stratiomyinae, whose larvae are known to be aquatic. Adults in this genus and related genera often exhibit patterned eyes with horizontal banding, which may function in detecting horizontally polarized light—potentially useful for locating mates and oviposition sites near water. The species occurs in North America, with records from the United States and Canada.
Odontomyia profuscata
Odontomyia profuscata is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by Steyskal in 1938. The genus Odontomyia belongs to the subfamily Stratiomyinae, a group whose larvae are aquatic. Adults in this genus often exhibit patterned eyes with horizontal banding, a trait associated with detection of horizontally polarized light. This species occurs in North America.
Psellidotus annamariae
soldier fly
Psellidotus annamariae is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Brimley in 1925. It belongs to the subfamily Stratiomyinae and tribe Stratiomyini. The genus Psellidotus is closely related to Odontomyia and Hedriodiscus, with species boundaries becoming less distinct in the Neotropics. Like other stratiomyine soldier flies, adults typically exhibit strikingly patterned eyes with horizontal banding, a trait associated with detection of horizontally polarized light and linked to aquatic larval habitats.
Psellidotus defectus
Psellidotus defectus is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Stratiomyinae. The genus Psellidotus belongs to the tribe Stratiomyini and is closely related to Hedriodiscus, with which it can be difficult to distinguish in the Neotropics. Like other members of the subfamily Stratiomyinae, the larvae are aquatic. Adults are known to visit flowers, and species in this genus exhibit strikingly patterned eyes with horizontal banding, an adaptation associated with detection of horizontally polarized light that may aid in locating aquatic habitats for oviposition.
Psellidotus hieroglyphicus
soldier fly
Psellidotus hieroglyphicus is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It is one of numerous species in the genus Psellidotus, which belongs to the subfamily Stratiomyinae. The species was described by Olivier in 1811. Like other members of its subfamily, the larvae are aquatic. Adults are characterized by patterned eyes with horizontal banding, a trait shared with many stratiomyine flies and thought to be associated with detection of horizontally polarized light for locating water sources.