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Australian Wildlife

  American Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens)





American Soldier Fly | Hermetia illucens photo
American Soldier Fly

Photograph copyright: ozwildlife - all rights reserved. Used with permission.

American Soldier Fly | Hermetia illucens photo
American Soldier Fly

Photograph copyright: ozwildlife - all rights reserved. Used with permission.

American Soldier Fly | Hermetia illucens photo
American Soldier Fly - close up showing the eye colour pattern

Photograph copyright: ozwildlife - all rights reserved. Used with permission.







INSECT FACTS

Identification
The American Soldier Fly looks like a wasp with black body and dark wings. The eyes appear to have a pattern of blue and green markings. At rest it holds its wings folded on top of each other along the abdomen. The antennae form a V-shape. The lower parts of the legs are white.

Size
20mm

Habitat
often found on foliage of garden plants

Breeding
They are often found around decaying vegetation such as compost heaps. The maggots feed on the decaying plant material.



Classification
Class:Insecta
Order:Diptera
Family:Stratiomyidae
Genus:Hermetia
Species:illucens
Common Name:American Soldier Fly