Soldier Fly Stratiomys sp

e6filmuser

This was my first close encounter with a soldier fly. Yesterday, it was a solitary individual on pond-side vegetation at a local nature reserve and represents a new site record.

The undergrowth of vegetation was tussocky and very difficult to walk through, let alone stalk a fly. Closer approach was impossible.

It was only around for a few minutes. The larvae of the likely species are carnivorous and semi-aquatic.

There are several species with yellow bands on the abdomen. Any suggestions, Brian?

The images are quite severely cropped.

The stereo is crosseye.

Olympus EM-1 (aperture priority), Olympus 4/3 x2 TC, Olympus 4/3 50mm f2 macro, 1/100 sec at f11 ISO 250, hand-held.

Harold

Lord Vetinari

Nice find