Black Soldier Fly

Description:

"Large soldier fly, all black with bright white tarsi. Underneath, first abdominal segment has clear areas. Wings have purplish sheen. Likely a wasp mimic, it buzzes loudly."

Habitat:

Under porch light in the backyard. "wide ranging in Western Hemisphere, also in Australasia, Africa, Japan, Europe."

Notes:

"illucens Latin 'shining in, illuminating' (refers to the window-like areas on the abdomen)" "Larvae are sold as feeders for owners of herptiles and tropical fish, or as composting grubs. They store high levels of calcium for future pupation which is beneficial to herptiles."