Soldier flies are large, rather stocky, 3/8 to 1/2 inch long. They closely resemble hover flies or wasps do not hover and almost entirely lack bristles on the body, which is covered with short, fine hair. The particular species found occasionally in homes and other structures has a somewhat flattened appearance, with two clear patches on the top of its abdomen. The coloration varies among species. The Soldier Fly thorax is usually black above, yellow to yellowish green on the sides.