Species name: Hermetia illucens (L.)
Family: Stratiomyidae
The adults and larvae of the soldier fly are distinctive and easily recognized. Their occurrence around animal production facilities is erratic but they are sometimes present in tremendous numbers, especially in poultry and swine houses.
Since the soldier fly is in the family Stratiomyidae, its antennae and wing venation differs considerably from the Muscidae and the Calliphoridae. Soldier fly antennae are long, project directly forward from the head, and the last (third) segment is tapered with no arista. The wing has a central enclosed cell and is partially shaded with brown.
Adults are blue-black, 2 cm long, and the legs are black with white-yellow tarsi. The upper part of the hind tarsi is white. The abdomen has two clear or translucent areas dorsally near the base (second segment).
Soldier flies prefer to oviposit in the drier areas of the manure. In addition to laying eggs in livestock and poultry manure, they lay eggs in beehives and on young bananas on plants (in Central America).
Because the larvae of the black soldier fly are so large and robust, they churn manure - making it more liquid and less suitable for house fly larvae.
Athough soldier fly larvae and house fly larvae can be found coexisting, there are situations in which the soldier fly larvae cause a drastic reduction in the numbers of house fly larvae.
Not only do excessive numbers of soldier fly larvae inhibit development of house fly larvae in manure, but their presence appears to inhibit oviposition by the house fly.
In poultry manure, large populations of black soldier fly larvae sometimes exist. Although they provide the benefit of discouraging house fly development, soldier fly larvae cause the poultry manure to be so liquified that it becomes difficult to remove and may flow onto walkways or undermine the foundations of the poultry house.
Adult soldier flies are weak fliers and spend considerable time resting in and around the animal production facility. They are often found in bright, sunlit areas, resting on the structure and on nearby vegetation.
