This species of soldier fly (Ptecticus trivittatus) is attracted to rotting vegetation and can often be found around compost heaps. This guy was seriously into some cucumber scrap I threw into the yard.
From the Garden – Soldier Fly
"What a thousand acres of Silphiums looked like when they tickled the bellies of the buffalo is a question never again to be answered, and perhaps not even asked." -Aldo Leopold
A Thousand Acres of Silphiums 
Have you ever heard of a black soldier fly composting system? It’s a great way to put these trash-lovers to work! Check it out. http://livingechoblog.com/the-hawaiian-maggonator/
Lydia,
No, this is new to me. How cool! Like your blog, btw.
Glad you liked it and could learn something new. Feel free to visit again anytime. 🙂