Soldierflies

Soldierflies (family Stratiomyidae) are a group of true flies, with 48 species known to occur within the UK. The term ‘soldierflies’ is thought to have originated because of the spines that are present on the thorax of some species – these were once thought to be ‘weapons’, and in combination with the bold, uniform-like colour patterns of some species led to the idea of 'soldier' flies. The adults can be found visiting flowers or roosting on leaves during spring and summer. Their larvae inhabit many environments, from decaying organic matter to aquatic habitats, where they mainly act as detritivores and contribute significantly to nutrient recycling.

This entoLEARN webinar will cover a range of soldierflies that occur within the UK, including the following:

• Broad Centurion (Chloromyia formosa): The most frequently recorded species, which can be seen in gardens.
• The 'Generals': The contrasting fortunes of the four species in genus Stratiomys, with a focus on the rarest, Stratiomys chamaeleon.
• Dark-winged Black (Pachygaster atra): The soldierfly that doesn't look like a soldierfly, but is probably in your garden or local wood.
• Black Soldierfly (Hermetia illucens): The world's most studied soldierfly, not established in Britain but widely cultivated and occasionally escapes.
• The other ranks: 'Soldiers' in genus Oxycera – some of the smallest and most brightly coloured of the soldierflies
• Silver Colonel (Odontomyia argentata): An early spring species in wet meadows, likely to be out and about at the time of this webinar!

Entomologist Martin Harvey will provide identification guidance and insights into the ecology and behaviour of these fascinating insects, as well as information about how you can submit your sightings to the Soldierflies & Allies Recording Scheme.

This session is perfect for naturalists, entomologists, and anyone curious about robberflies. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for these remarkable flies.

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience. The presentation will be recorded and made available following the event to those booked alongside a transcript of the Q&A and useful links.

Fly Specialist: Martin Harvey

Martin Harvey is an entomologist and biological recorder based at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology’s Biological Records Centre, where he serves as Data Management and Liaison Officer. He plays a central role in the development of the Pantheon analysis tool, manages the iRecord online recording system, and works closely with national recording schemes and societies. Martin is also part of the team for the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme. In addition to his professional work, Martin volunteers as organiser of the national Soldierflies and Allies Recording Scheme and serves as County Moth Recorder for Berkshire (vice-county).

entoLEARN

Our entoLEARN programme provides training on UK invertebrates through live webinars and online self-study courses, with subject specialists presenting aspects of the biology, ecology and behaviour of UK species.

This webinar is part of our True Flies series:

1. Bee-flies (25 Mar 2026)
2. Soldierflies (16 Apr 2026)
3. Robberflies (08 Oct 2026)