Soldier flies

Description

Clitellaria ephippium is a species of soldier fly (so named for the thorns that armor the body) belonging to the family Stratiomyidae. This species is present in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Hungary, central and southern Russia, Spain and in Switzerland. The adults grow up to 10–13 millimetres (0.39–0.51 in) long. The most of their body is black, with a bright red mesonotum. Antennae are no longer than the head, the third articulation of antennae is composed of five segments, the stylet of two segments. The eyes are dark and quite hairy. Scutellum is hairy and mesonotum shows two strong apico-lateral spines. Scutum has two strong lateral spines, placed between the transverse suture and the insertion of the wings. The abdomen is relatively wide. The wings are dark. The predatory larvae of this species develop in ant nests, such as Lasius fuliginosus (synonym Formica fuliginosa) (Formicidae). Clitellaria is a genus of flies in the family Stratiomyidae.