wood soldier fly

Xylomya terminalis is a medium-sized wood soldier fly. It occurs in the northeast and north-central United States from Maine to Minnesota. It is uncommon throughout its range, including in Minnesota. Its appearance mimics an ichneumon wasp.

The body is slender, ⅜″ or less in length, and covered with short, fine hair.

The feeler-like mouthparts (palpi) are yellow. The antennae have three segments. The third segment is ringed (annulated), but this is difficult to see except in strong light. It is much less than twice as long as the second segment.

The thorax is black with yellow markings. The markings usually do not form two yellow longitudinal stripes. The small plate between the wing bases (scutellum) is yellow. The third and fourth abdominal segments are yellowish. The tip of the abdomen is black.

The wings are clear. The anal cell is longer than the second basal cell and is closed near the margin. The fourth posterior cell (M₃) is closed.

On the hind leg the tip of the third leg segment (femur) is deep black, not reddish-brown or yellow. On all legs the last part of the leg (tarsus), corresponding to the foot, has three pads.

Total length: ⅜″ or less

Woodlands

Larvae are found under bark or in decaying wood.

Adults are sluggish and inactive, and may not escape when approached.