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These large flies are long and slender, sometimes with metallic colors and spines along the thorax. The adults are lethargic, but nectar at flowers occasionally. They are most often observed in moist sunny places. The larvae of the larger Soldier Flies, such as Stratiomys and Odontomyia spp., are carnivorous, feeding on worms, small crustacea, and insects in moist ground. The larvae of other species feed on decaying vegetable matter along streams and other wet places. Soldier flies are good pollinators, but they are not very common.