Banded General
Stratiomys potamida
This record describes Stratiomys potamida (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Soldierflies get their name from their bold and bright colours and markings. This is a particularly striking example - looking like a very flat wasp. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. It is a slow and cumbersome flyer, often seen feeding on umbellifers and Bramble in wet and marshy areas. Its carnivorous larvae are amphibious, feeding in ponds and ditches. Fairly common in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Stratiomyidae
- Genus
- Stratiomys
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is a slow and cumbersome flyer, often seen feeding on umbellifers and Bramble in wet and marshy areas.
Seasonal Activity
June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Its carnivorous larvae are amphibious, feeding in ponds and ditches.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Stratiomys potamida. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Banded General (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Banded General
What is Banded General?
Banded General (Stratiomys potamida) is a species in the family Stratiomyidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Banded General found?
Habitat: It is a slow and cumbersome flyer, often seen feeding on umbellifers and Bramble in wet and marshy areas.
When is Banded General active?
Banded General: seasonal activity - June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Banded General?
Its carnivorous larvae are amphibious, feeding in ponds and ditches.