Chloromyia formosa
The green soldier fly is a Eurasian species with distinctly hairy eyes that has established populations in parts of northeastern North America. South Bristol, New York, USA.
Exaireta spinigera
The garden soldier fly (Exaireta spinigera) is a common insect in eastern Australia that has been introduced to the west coast of North America. Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia.
Hedriodiscus
A female soldier fly. Brackenridge Field Laboratory, Texas, USA.
Hermetia illucens
The mesmerizing eyes of the common black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens. Austin, Texas, USA.
The black soldier fly, native to warmer parts of the Americas, is now found worldwide and is a common inhabitant of refuse and compost piles. Austin, Texas, USA.
Hoplitimyia mutabilis
This charming small soldier fly is a visual mimic of the Mexican honey wasp, Brachygastra mellifica. Austin, Texas, USA.
Nemotelus bruesii
Flies are often overlooked for this role, but they are likely the equal to bees as pollinators. Here, a soldier fly carries a load of Ilex pollen. Brackenridge Field Laboratory, Texas, USA.
Nemotelus
Vision is so important to male soldier flies that their head is nearly entirely devoted to two massive compound eyes. Brackenridge Field Laboratory, Texas, USA.
Psellidotus
Flies are often overlooked for this role, but they are likely the equal to bees as pollinators. Here, a spring soldier fly carries a load of Ilex pollen. Brackenridge Field Laboratory, Texas, USA.
