Stratiomyidae
Guides
Actina viridis
green soldier fly
Actina viridis is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. The species is distributed across northern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other soldier flies, it belongs to a family whose larvae typically develop in decaying organic matter, though specific life history details for this species remain poorly documented.
Adoxomyia
soldier flies
Adoxomyia is a genus of soldier flies (Stratiomyidae) comprising at least 30 described species. The genus has a broad geographic distribution, with species documented across the Palaearctic, Nearctic, Oriental, and Neotropical regions. Larvae develop in decaying vegetable substrates, particularly rotting roots and stems of plants in desert and arid environments. Adults are often associated with flowers.
Adoxomyia subulata
Adoxomyia subulata is a soldier fly species in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Loew in 1866. It occurs in the United States. The genus Adoxomyia belongs to the subfamily Clitellariinae, a group known for often metallic coloration and distinctive body forms. Species-level biology of A. subulata remains poorly documented.
Adoxomyia tenuicornis
Adoxomyia tenuicornis is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by James in 1969. It belongs to the subfamily Clitellariinae, a group characterized by often metallic coloration and distinctive wing venation. The species epithet 'tenuicornis' (slender-horned) refers to its notably slender antennae. Like other members of the genus Adoxomyia, this species is part of a diverse lineage of stratiomyid flies found primarily in the Nearctic region.
Allognosta
Allognosta is a genus of soldier flies (family Stratiomyidae) established by Osten Sacken in 1883. Larval stages have been documented in the Palaearctic region, where they inhabit humus soil layers and fruit bodies of polyporus fungi. The genus belongs to the subfamily Beridinae.
Allognosta fuscitarsis
Allognosta fuscitarsis is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1823 as Beris fuscitarsis. It belongs to the subfamily Beridinae, a group of soldier flies characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species has been documented through 45 observations on iNaturalist and is recognized in major taxonomic databases including GBIF and the Catalogue of Life.
Anoplodonta nigrirostris
Anoplodonta nigrirostris is a soldier fly species in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Loew in 1866 under the basionym Odontomyia nigrirostris. The species is documented from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Like other Stratiomyidae, adults likely visit flowers for nectar. The genus Anoplodonta is characterized by distinctive mouthpart morphology.
Antissinae
Antissinae is a subfamily of soldier flies (Stratiomyidae) established by Kertész in 1908. The subfamily contains at least eight described genera, including Antissa, the type genus, and the more recently described Opaluma. Members of this subfamily are part of the diverse soldier fly radiation, though specific biological details remain poorly documented for many included taxa.
Beridinae
soldier flies
Beridinae is a subfamily of soldier flies (Stratiomyidae) comprising approximately 15 genera. Species in this subfamily have been documented across temperate regions including Canada, Alaska, and Iran, with records indicating presence in forested habitats. The subfamily is taxonomically well-defined with available identification keys for adults and larvae.
Beris fuscipes
Short-horned Black Legionnaire
Beris fuscipes, commonly known as the short-horned black legionnaire, is a European soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. The species is distinguished by its bright shining green thorax and scutellum, black abdomen, and extensively dark dull orange or dusky legs. It inhabits damp woodlands, marshes, and fens, with adults active from May through September.
Berkshiria
Berkshiria is a genus of soldier flies in the family Stratiomyidae, established by Johnson in 1914. The genus contains two described species: B. albistylum (North America) and B. hungarica (Europe). It belongs to the subfamily Pachygastrinae, a group of small to medium-sized stratiomyid flies often associated with decaying organic matter.
Brachycara
Brachycara is a genus of soldier flies (family Stratiomyidae) established by Thomson in 1869. The genus contains eight described species distributed across multiple continents. Brachycara species are classified within the subfamily Nemotelinae. Observations of this genus remain relatively uncommon, with approximately 75 documented records on iNaturalist.
Brachycara slossonae
Brachycara slossonae is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Nemotelinae. Originally described as Euryneurasoma slossonae by Johnson in 1913, it was later transferred to the genus Brachycara. The species is broadly distributed across Brazil, with records from nearly all states and the Federal District. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized flies associated with wetland and riparian habitats.
Caloparyphus crotchi
Caloparyphus crotchi is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. The species belongs to the genus Caloparyphus within the tribe Oxycerini. It has been recorded in Canada and the United States. Available information on this species is limited, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist.
Caloparyphus crucigerus
Caloparyphus crucigerus is a species of soldier fly (family Stratiomyidae) described by Coquillett in 1902. It belongs to the tribe Oxycerini, a group of small to medium-sized flies often associated with wetland and riparian habitats. The species is rarely documented, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff. Like other members of its family, the larvae likely develop in moist or aquatic environments.
Caloparyphus mariposa
Caloparyphus mariposa is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by James in 1939. The specific epithet "mariposa" (Spanish for butterfly) refers to Mariposa County, California, where the type specimen was collected. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Caloparyphus, a group of Nearctic soldier flies characterized by distinctive wing venation and body patterning. As with most Stratiomyidae, the larvae are likely aquatic or semi-aquatic, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Cephalochrysa
soldier flies
Cephalochrysa is a genus of soldier flies (family Stratiomyidae) containing over 20 described species distributed across multiple continents. The genus was established by Kertész in 1912 and belongs to the subfamily Sarginae. Species within this genus exhibit considerable geographic range, with records from Africa, Australia, North America, and other regions.
Cephalochrysa canadensis
Cephalochrysa canadensis is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Sarginae. First described by Curran in 1927, this species occurs in Canada and the United States. Like other soldier flies, it belongs to a diverse group of Diptera characterized by distinctive morphological features. The genus Cephalochrysa is part of the broader Stratiomyidae radiation, which includes species with varied ecological roles.
Cephalochrysa nigricornis
Cephalochrysa nigricornis is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, originally described as Chrysonotus nigricornis by Loew in 1866. The species belongs to the subfamily Sarginae and is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the soldier flies, it shares the family's characteristic robust body form and reduced wing venation. The specific epithet 'nigricornis' refers to dark or black antennae.
Cephalochrysa similis
Cephalochrysa similis is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by James in 1936. It belongs to the subfamily Sarginae and is one of several species in the genus Cephalochrysa, a group characterized by distinctive head morphology. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in published literature. Soldier flies in this family are generally associated with moist or aquatic habitats, with larvae typically developing in decaying organic matter.
Clitellariinae
soldier flies
Clitellariinae is a subfamily of soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) comprising approximately 35 genera. The group has been documented in North America, including Canada and Alaska, where it is represented by multiple genera and species. Taxonomic keys for adults and larvae have been developed for regional faunas. The subfamily is distinguished from related subfamilies Beridinae and Sarginae by morphological features accessible through diagnostic keys.
Cosmariomyia
Cosmariomyia is a genus of soldier flies in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Pachygastrinae. The genus was established by Kertész in 1914 and contains three described species distributed in the Neotropical region. Members are small to medium-sized flies with relatively limited published information on their biology.
Cosmariomyia pallidipennis
Cosmariomyia pallidipennis is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. The species was described by Williston in 1901. It belongs to the subfamily Pachygastrinae, a group of small to minute soldier flies often associated with decaying organic matter. Very little is known about the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Cyphomyia erecta
Cyphomyia erecta is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by McFadden and James in 1969. The species is known from the United States and Mexico. Soldier flies in this family are often characterized by their wasp-like or bee-like appearance and larvae that typically develop in decaying organic matter. The specific epithet 'erecta' may refer to an upright posture or structural feature, though the original description would be needed to confirm this.
Dicyphoma
Dicyphoma is a small genus of soldier flies (family Stratiomyidae) containing two described species. The genus was established by James in 1937 and is classified in the subfamily Clitellariinae. Species within this genus have been documented in western North America, with records from California and surrounding regions. As with other Stratiomyidae, adults are likely diurnal and associated with flowers or moist habitats.
Eidalimus
Eidalimus is a genus of soldier flies (family Stratiomyidae) in the subfamily Pachygastrinae. The genus was established by Kertész in 1914 and contains eight described species distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Species of this genus are small to medium-sized flies with relatively few detailed studies on their biology.
Eidalimus henshawi
Eidalimus henshawi is a species of soldier fly (family Stratiomyidae) in the subfamily Pachygastrinae. It was described by Malloch in 1917. The genus Eidalimus is part of a diverse group of Diptera characterized by larvae that develop in various decomposing organic substrates. As a member of Pachygastrinae, it belongs to a subfamily whose members often have reduced wing venation and compact body forms.
Euparyphus
Euparyphus is a genus of soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) in the tribe Oxycerini. Species in this genus are associated with madicolous habitats—thin water films on rock surfaces—in eastern North America. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across the Americas, with adults and immature stages described for several North American species.
Euparyphus albipilosus
Euparyphus albipilosus is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by Adams in 1903. The specific epithet "albipilosus" refers to white hairs, suggesting a distinctive pilosity pattern. As a member of the Oxycerini tribe, it belongs to a group of stratiomyid flies often associated with wetland and riparian habitats. The species is known from very few observations.
Euparyphus arizonae
Euparyphus arizonae is a species of soldier fly (family Stratiomyidae) described by James in 1973. It belongs to the tribe Oxycerini within the subfamily Stratiomyinae. The species epithet reflects its association with Arizona. Like other stratiomyids, adults are likely diurnal and may visit flowers, though specific biology remains poorly documented. The species is known from very few records.
Euparyphus brevicornis
Euparyphus brevicornis is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by Loew in 1866. It belongs to the tribe Oxycerini within the subfamily Stratiomyinae. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States.
Euparyphus cinctus
Crowned Euparyphus
Euparyphus cinctus is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1886. It is known from the United States and Mexico. The common name "Crowned Euparyphus" suggests distinctive head ornamentation. As a member of the soldier flies, it belongs to a family whose larvae are often associated with decaying organic matter and are recognized for their ecological role as decomposers and recyclers.
Euryneura propinqua
Euryneura propinqua is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by Schiner in 1868. The species belongs to the subfamily Clitellariinae and has been recorded from the United States, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela. Very little is known about its biology or ecology. Soldier flies in this family are typically associated with decaying organic matter and aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats in their larval stages.
Gowdeyana punctifera
Gowdeyana punctifera is a soldier fly species in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Pachygastrinae. First described by Malloch in 1915, this species has been recorded across much of North America. The genus Gowdeyana contains relatively few described species, and this taxon remains poorly documented in the scientific literature.
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 trivittatus
Hedriodiscus trivittatus is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It is one of approximately 2,700 described species in this family of true flies. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1829. Beyond taxonomic classification and distribution records, specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
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.
Hermetia
soldier flies
Hermetia is a genus of soldier flies in the family Stratiomyidae. The genus contains approximately 30 species distributed primarily in the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. The most extensively studied species is Hermetia illucens, commonly known as the black soldier fly, which has gained prominence for its applications in waste management and sustainable protein production. Adults are characterized by their wasp-mimicking appearance, with metallic coloration and distinctive wing patterns. Larvae develop in decomposing organic matter including manure, compost, and food waste.
Hermetia comstocki
agave fly
Hermetia comstocki, commonly known as the agave fly, is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It is found in Mexico and the United States. The species is one of several in the genus Hermetia, which includes the widely studied black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Little specific research has been published on H. comstocki compared to its congener H. illucens.
Hermetia concinna
Hermetia concinna is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Williston in 1900. It belongs to the same genus as the well-known black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), but is a distinct species with a more limited known distribution. The species has been recorded in Mexico and the United States, with 117 observations documented on iNaturalist. Like other members of Stratiomyidae, adults are likely diurnal and associated with decomposing organic matter where larvae develop.
Hermetia hunteri
Hermetia hunteri is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Coquillett in 1909. It belongs to the genus Hermetia, which includes the well-studied black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Very little specific information is available about H. hunteri compared to its congener H. illucens, which has been extensively researched for applications in waste management, animal feed, and antimicrobial production.
Hermetia illucens
Black soldier fly
Hermetia illucens is a medium-sized dipteran in the family Stratiomyidae, native to the Neotropics but now virtually cosmopolitan through human-mediated spread. Adults are wasp mimics with metallic coloration and distinctive translucent abdominal spots. The species is commercially significant for its larvae's ability to rapidly convert organic waste into protein-rich biomass, with applications in animal feed, waste management, and bioremediation. Neither life stage is considered a pest or disease vector.
Hermetia melanderi
Hermetia melanderi is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by James and Wirth in 1967. It is one of approximately 30 species in the genus Hermetia, which includes the well-known black soldier fly (H. illucens). The species is recorded from the United States and Mexico, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in comparison to its more extensively studied congeners.
Hermetia relicta
Hermetia relicta is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It is one of approximately 30 species in the genus Hermetia, which is best known for the widely studied black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). The species was described by Carl Robert Osten Sacken in 1886. Very little specific biological information is documented for this particular species.
Hermetia sexmaculata
Hermetia sexmaculata is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It is one of several species in the genus Hermetia, which includes the well-studied black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). The species name "sexmaculata" refers to six spots, likely describing a distinctive marking pattern on the adult fly. Like other soldier flies, adults are typically wasp-mimics with dark coloration.
Hermetia subpellucida
Hermetia subpellucida is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. It is one of approximately 30 species in the genus Hermetia, which includes the well-known black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). The species was described by James and Wirth in 1967. Information specific to its biology and ecology remains limited in published literature.
Hoplitimyia
Hoplitimyia is a genus of soldier flies (family Stratiomyidae) established by James in 1934. The genus comprises approximately ten described species distributed across the Americas, with records from both North and South America. Species within this genus exhibit the characteristic features of the subfamily Stratiomyinae, including patterned eyes and wasp-mimicking coloration. Larvae are aquatic, a trait common to the subfamily.
Hoplitimyia constans
Hoplitimyia constans is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, distributed in the United States. The genus Hoplitimyia includes species with aquatic larvae and adults that often exhibit wasp-mimicking coloration and behavior. Members of this genus are known for their flighty behavior and attraction to flowers. The specific epithet "constans" was established by Loew in 1872, originally described under the genus Stratiomyia.
Inopus
sugarcane soldier fly, soldier fly
Inopus is a genus of soldier flies in the family Stratiomyidae, comprising approximately six described species native to Australia. The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, particularly Inopus rubriceps (sugarcane soldier fly) and Inopus flavus, whose larvae feed on plant roots and cause substantial damage to sugarcane crops and pastures. Larvae develop underground for one to two years, while short-lived adults do not feed. Several species have been introduced to New Zealand and California, where they continue to impact agricultural systems.
Inopus rubriceps
Sugarcane soldier fly, Australian soldier fly
Inopus rubriceps is a soldier fly (Stratiomyidae) native to subtropical eastern Australia, where it has a long evolutionary history in Southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. The species has been introduced to New Zealand (first recorded 1944) and California, where it establishes in warm, moist climates. Larvae develop in soil around plant roots, with a life cycle typically spanning 24 months but occasionally completing in 12 months. The species is an agricultural pest of sugarcane, pasture, oats, and maize, though not considered major.