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green soldier fly

green soldier fly (Odontomyia cincta)
Illinois Status: common, native

Features and Behaviors

FEATURES
The green soldier fly has three-segmented antennae with the third segment (furthest from the body), rounded or elongated in shape. Its abdomen is black with green-yellow bands.

BEHAVIORS
This species is found statewide in fields and woodlands, usually near water. The adults eat flower nectar. Eggs are laid on the edge of a water body, and the larvae develop in water, feeding on algae.

Illinois Range

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Stratiomyidae

Habitats

Aquatic Habitats
bottomland forests; lakes, ponds and reservoirs; rivers and streams; swamps; wet prairies and fens

Woodland Habitats
bottomland forests; southern Illinois lowlands; upland deciduous forests

Prairie and Edge Habitats
black soil prairie; edge