soldier fly

Description:

This is a tiny soldier fly, only 3-4 mm long! Range is tropical Asia - Indonesia - Vanuatu, Cook Islands (introduced). Recent accidental introduction in the US (first found in Virginia). Also found in Madagascar (where it might also be introduced by human activity). It scavenges feeding on decaying organic matter.

Habitat:

Spotted on Euphorbia tithymaloides in large semi-urban yard & garden adjacent to a disturbed patch of remnant forest. Seen not far from a composting heap.

Notes:

See also http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/spec... and http://www.globalspecies.org/ntaxa/42431...