soldier fly (Odontomyia virgo group) male at Chipera Prairie IA 653A1447
Soldier flies are one of my favorite photographic subjects in the summertime since they come in so many fantastic colors and shapes. Look for Odontomyia species near water since their larvae are aquatic and feed on algae in the detritus layer near the water's edge. After pupating in the spring, adults like this one emerge in summer to mate, lay more eggs and feed on flower nectar.
soldier fly (Odontomyia virgo group) male at Chipera Prairie IA 653A1447
Soldier flies are one of my favorite photographic subjects in the summertime since they come in so many fantastic colors and shapes. Look for Odontomyia species near water since their larvae are aquatic and feed on algae in the detritus layer near the water's edge. After pupating in the spring, adults like this one emerge in summer to mate, lay more eggs and feed on flower nectar.