Soldier flies

Code QD249999

Stratiomyid larvae resemble larval tabanids, being robust and with a protruding head capsule that is partially retracted into the thorax. The head however is unreduced, quite rigid and seemingly incapable of motion independent of the anterior body. The roughening of the skin is characteristic of terrestrial and aquatic species - all the latter have posterior spiracles inserted in a slit in the apex of a respiratory siphon.

A diverse range of Stratiomyid larvae are aquatic, but few have been reared in Australia. Most are found in standing, often relatively eutrophic waters. Some are hygropetric in films alongside waterfalls and cascades. Most appear to be detritivores or grazers. Some Stratiomyid larvae are very tolerant of increased salinity, nutrients and reduced oxygen levels down to virtual anoxia.