Soldier Flies

Family Stratiomyidae

Sargus decorus. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Adults are often found resting on vegetation or flowers. The larvae are either aquatic or live in dung or under bark. They feed on algae, decaying plant matter or small insects. Stratiomyidae are small to large sized flies, often wasplike in appearance and usually dark colored or metallic. They are often hairy and they are sometimes banded with yellow and black, making them look like bees or wasps.