''Microchrysa polita'', the black-horned gem, is a 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 ...

found in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Description

A small species (Body 4.5 to 5.5.mm. long) Antennae black. Legs predominantly black. Pubescence in middle part of mesonotum and on abdomen black in male.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 March to September. Habitats are deciduous woodland edges, wooded areas, hedgerows, gardens, and parks. Larvae have been found in soil, decomposing grass and leaves, and compost.

Distribution

Russia, Siberia, Central Asia, Mongolia, Western Europe, United States, and Canada.

References

Stratiomyidae Diptera of Europe Diptera of North America Flies described in 1758 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus {{Stratiomyidae-stub