Page 120 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

SOLDIER FLY SOLDIER FLY - ADULT

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
1.Antenna- 2, medium length 6.Thorax SOLDIER FLY
2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none
3.Head 8.Abdomen- has whitish areas
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- black and pale yellow 1
5.Wings- one pair 10.Other- behaves like a wasp

Life Cycle
Females deposit eggs on feces, compost piles, in dumpsters, or other 8
sources of damp garbage. The larvae hatch and actually have chewing
mouthparts. They go through several instars before finding a drier 4 5
location to pupate. The adults are known for “buzzing” around before
landing on garbage. Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

SOLDIER FLY Actual size 5/8”

The Soldier Fly is a filth-breeding fly that prefers to feed upon human and animal feces. It can be a
problem in homes, entering through broken sewer pipes and septic systems. The dark brown maggots
are about an inch long, and are frequently seen in dumpsters as they will also feed upon rotting organic
matter. Adult Soldier flies are found in bathrooms, kitchens, outhouses, etc. Occasionally they are
found on decomposing bodies of animals.

1.Antenna- short, feathered appearance 6.Thorax
2.Eyes- compound, large 7.Petiole- none FRUIT FLY
3.Head- small 8.Abdomen- banded 5
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- varies by species
5.Wings- one pair 10.Other- 3

Life Cycle
Female Fruit Flies deposit 10-20 eggs in the fruit, which hatch in 2-12 2 8
days, depending upon the temperature and species. The larvae burrow 4
into the fruit, and many maggots will be present in each. After 1-4 weeks
in the larval stage, they usually emerge once the fruit has fallen to the
ground, and then pupate in the soil for another 1-2 weeks. Adults may
live up to a year. The entire life cycle can be completed in 3-4 weeks. Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
FRUIT FLY Actual size 1/8”

There are many types referred to as “fruit” flies, including the true Fruit flies, Vinegar flies, and
Pomace flies. The Drosophila are the most widely known, as much research has been done on them,
including frequent use in high school biology classes in the study of genetics.
All varieties are small, usually 3/32nds of an inch, and always have marked wings. The
Drosophila have red eyes and an orange body. Fruit flies have a keen sense of smell, and can detect
odors from fruit from quite a considerable distance. Maggot larvae actually live in fermenting fruit and
feed on the yeasts that are produced.
True Fruit flies include the famed “MedFly”—the Mediterranean Fruit fly which has caused so many
problems for agriculture. Most are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long, and can feed on up to 260 varieties
th
th
of fruit. The larvae ruin growing fruit by feeding on the interior, and agricultural officials are always
monitoring traps, not only for the Medfly, but also the Oriental Fruit fly and Mexican Fruit fly.

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