''Microchrysa cyaneiventris'', the black gem, is a European species of

soldier fly The soldier flies (Stratiomyidae, sometimes misspelled as Stratiomyiidae, from Greek - soldier; - fly) are a family of flies (historically placed in the now-obsolete group Orthorrhapha). The family contains over 2,700 species in over 380 extan ...

Description

A small species (Body 4.0 mm. long) Antennae yellow. Legs predominantly yellow. Pubescence in middle part of mesonotum and on abdomen light-colored in male. Abdomen of female and also frons of female shiny black, at most with a light bluish tinge.E. P. Narchuk in Bei-Bienko, G. Ya, 1988 Keys to the insects of the European Part of the USSR Volume 5 (Diptera) Part 2 English edition. Keys to Palaearctic species but now needs revision.

Biology

The flight period is May to September. Habitats are deciduous woodland edges, hedgerows, isolated trees, and bushes. It is associated with water margins and fallen decomposing leaves. Larvae have been found in decaying vegetation and moss.

Distribution

North Europe. Central Europe.

References

Stratiomyidae Diptera of Europe Insects described in 1842 Taxa named by Johan Wilhelm Zetterstedt {{Stratiomyidae-stub