Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) on Aug 7, 2011
Originally reported as European Woodwasp (Sirex noctilio)
Submitter has sample
Description of specimen
Black, straight body, approx 3/4 inch in length with black antenna. Yellow legs with black tips. There appears to be a transparent hazy whitish part on the upper 1/3 of the abdomen when looking at it from underneath the insect. The lower 2/3 of the abdomen is black. The wings are bluish/black metallic in color.
Reporter
Aug. 7, 2011, 5:33 a.m.
Lisa DeBruyckere
Aug. 7, 2011, 8:04 a.m.
These are adult soldier flies, family Stratomyiidae, species Hermetia illucens. I believe this species is sometimes referred to as the black soldier fly. It is a native species now being sold as a biocontrol agent for filth flies in large chicken rearing facilities because it changes the manure into a habitat unsuitable for filth flies. The larvae live in dead plant or animal matter, such as wet compost, decaying vegetables, and carrion, or other wet organic material, such as manure. If they are emerging in a basement, there is some source, perhaps decaying rodent carcasses, rotting potatoes, etc. either in or near the basement (perhaps against a foundation). Removal and disposal of the source material will solve the problem. James LaBonte, ODA.
Lisa DeBruyckere
Aug. 8, 2011, 4:43 a.m.