Soldier Fly Biology and Identification

Update：2016/3/1 16:03:22  View：

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.
The key to soldier fly identification is the presence of its peculiar, one of a kind maggot. The maggot (larva) of this flying pest is over 1 inch in length and has a flattened shape. It is dark brown in color. These fly maggots are usually seen under or around dumpsters. The pupa is also flattened and dark brown.
The Soldier flies encountered in and around homes usually breed and feed in damp organic material associated with poorly maintained dumpsters. Some Soldier Flies are aquatic, depositing their eggs at the edge of water; these are not the species normally found infesting homes or other structures.