
- Item no: SW10471
Hermetia illucens is the scientific name for the soldier fly.
This fly originated in the tropical and subtropical areas of South and North America, but nowadays it can be found in any warm area. This is a direct result of the global trade in fruits and vegetables. In Europe, this fly is native to Spain, Portugal, Italy and southern France , but it cannot overwinter in Belgium. Although its name may sound a bit aggressive, this fly is completely harmless.
The adult flies do not have mouthparts, they are only able to ingest liquid. During their lifetime, they feed exclusively on their fat reserves, which they have accumulated in the larval stage. The larvae feed on various organic material, such as manure, rotten tomatoes and also animal carcasses
This is one of the reasons why doctors know the soldier fly larva; doctors can tell when someone has died by linking the temperature and humidity data of the larval stage of soldier flies