Here is an insect that you have probably never seen in your backyard. If you have been fortunate enough to encounter it, more than likely you thought it was a wasp. In truth, it is not a wasp and does not have a stinger. This remarkable beautiful insect is the green soldier fly (Odontomyia cincta). This insect is also called the broad centurion fly.
My granddaughter found this soldier fly on the door of her car. It is, however, more often seen flying around flowers, damp environments, rotting fruit, and other decaying organic matter. Indeed the green soldier’s larvae are important decomposers.
If that is not enough, the adults also pollinate a wide variety of plants where they feed on both nectar and pollen.
Unfortunately, few homeowners are familiar with this insect. Now that you have been introduced to it, if you happen to seen one, please don’t kill it, as it is indeed a valuable wildlife neighbor.
