Common name : Garden soldier fly
Scientific name : Exaireta spinigera
Family : Stratiomyidae
Native to : Australia
Interesting fact : This insect is given the name ‘soldier fly’ because of the family it belongs to. The word ‘stratiomyidae’ comes
from Greek literally meaning ‘soldier fly’. The garden soldier fly is only 14 mm in length. It is usually spotted around gardens and houses. Its diet is comprised of nectar and pollen from various different flowers. However, the larvae can be found feeding on compost and decaying vegetable matter. The larvae are beneficial for the soil.
