Garden Soldier Fly

Soldier flies are sometimes mistaken for wasps and that is an understandable mistake considering the similarities in the two insects. However, rest assured that these flying insects are true flies and resemblances in physical structure and behavior are not enough to put them in the same family as the wasp.

Garden Soldier Fly

Contrary to its sinister appearance, this fly does not sting or bite. Unlike a wasp, it has only two wings—not four—and when it is at rest the wings are folded across its abdomen. It can be one of several colors, including black, metallic blue, green, purple and yellow.

As an adult, it can often be found near flowers. In the larvae stage it can be found in large groups in organic material that provides it with a source of food. It can tolerate hot temperatures but is not a fan of light and chooses to retreat to dark places. The larvae are aggressive eaters and often battle more docile worms that share its environment for a limited amount of food. Invariably, the fly larvae win the competition.

The larvae are harmless to humans and also pose no threat to garden plants or the worms they share their habitat with. Actually, they can be beneficial in the garden because they are good decomposers and will help recycle waste.

It is estimated that there are nearly fifteen hundred species of soldier flies in the world.