This Soldier Fly is approximately 3/8 inch (10 mm) in length. The head is orange and green. The Y-shaped antennae are orange at the base and black on the ends. The thorax is a metallic brown except for scutellum which is greenish yellow. The abdomen is greenish-yellow with transverse black markings, rounded and flattened. The wings are clear and the halteres are bright green. The legs are tan colored. This fly was identified by volunteer experts at the BugGuide website. It could not be identified to genus for certain, but it is probably in the genus Odontomyia or Hedriodiscus.
The frequency of occurrence is unknown, but it is probably uncommon. The individual shown here was photographed on Rattlesnake Master at Camp Brewster (Fontenelle Forest) in early July.
Flies in this family are wasp and bee mimics. The Y-shaped antennae are distinctive for this family of flies. The larvae are aquatic, flattened and wormlike. They eat algae or small aquatic animals.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.