Garden Soldier Fly

This common garden insect likes to rest on the leaves of our Bay Laurel.

Soldier Flies belong to the very large Stratiomyidae family of which world-wide there are probably 3,000 species. Although they look like a wasp, they are a fly, with only one pair of wings.

The Garden Soldier Fly (I think), Exaireta spinigera, (probably), is endemic to Australia but has been introduced to many places around the world.

Decaying organic matter, leaf litter and fallen bark are the favoured habitat for the larvae. It is assumed the food sources for the adult fly are pollen and nectar, although some references suggest the adult phase is short-lived and is focussed entirely on procreation.

Using its forelegs to clean the compound eyes …

Using the hind legs to keep the wings in good working order …