| Inopus rubriceps | |
|---|---|
| | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Stratiomyidae |
| Subfamily: | Chiromyzinae |
| Genus: | Inopus |
| Species: | I. rubriceps |
| Binomial name | |
| Inopus rubriceps | |
| Synonyms | |
Inopus rubriceps, known generally as the sugarcane soldier fly or Australian soldier fly, is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae. [7] The fly acts as a host for the parasitoid wasps Neurogalesus carinatus and Neurogalesus militis . [8] The species causes damage to pasture, as well as oat and maize crops, however the degree of damage it causes means it is not considered a major pest. [8]
Though native to South East Queensland and northern New South Wales areas in Australia, its introduced range includes California and New Zealand. [9] Populations tend to prefer warm, moist climates in subtropical/tropical regions, and no related species occur in its native range, suggesting a long evolutionary history for the fly in the region. [9] The species was first recorded in New Zealand in 1944, appearing at Ōpōtiki in the Bay of Plenty in the North Island. [8]