Stratiomyidae
Pronunciation: [Stratee·oh·MY·i⋅dae]
Common Name: Soldier Flies
Description: Most soldier flies are medium to large in size. Adults of many species mimic bees or wasps, varying in color from black, metallic blue, green or purple, to brightly colored black and yellow patterns. They typically rest with the wings folded scissor-like over the back of the abdomen. Some of the more common species can be recognized by a small hexagonal cell in the center of the wing and a long, flat (spatulate) segment at the tip of the antenna.
Spot ID Key Characters:
- Third antennal segment spatulate or aristate
- Small circular or hexagonal cell in center of wing
- Wings fold scissor-like over abdomen
- Tarsi have three pads (empodium is pulvilliform)
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Order: Diptera
