Soldier Fly

Description:

When I first saw this Soldier Fly, I thought that it might be a Saw Fly (which is not a fly, but a Wasp). The rather long antennae were concerning me because most flies have much shorter antennae. If I had been able to get a lateral view, I would have been able to see whether there were halteres (vestigial hind wings) and that would have immediately removed any doubt by confirming this to be a fly. However, I came across some photos (see my reference) of Rosapha habilis which look very much like mine and R. habilis is present in the Philippines. On the side of caution, I have opted for Rosapha sp. until I can get some more photos of the fly in my picture above, or find additional internet pictures to support my identification.

Habitat:

Spotted in our backyard on a leaflet of a Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) known as Ongot in the part of the Philippines where I live.