Broad Centurion - Chloromyia formosa

Description

9 mm. This is attractive soldier fly has sexes that are very different in appearance. Both have a shiny green thorax but the female has a blue-green abdomen, sometimes with a violet sheen, and the male has a bronze abdomen. The eyes are covered in dense black hairs, which helps to distinguish it from the similar Sargus solder flies

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Habitat

Inhabits woods, hedgerows, parks and gardens.

When to see it

The flight period is from May until August.

Life History

Larvae feed on decaying organic matter. Adults take nectar from flowers, especially Hogweed.

UK Status

This species is widespread and common throughout Britain.

VC55 Status

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Broad Centurion
Species group:
Flies
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Stratiomyidae
Records on NatureSpot:
111
First record:
05/06/2009 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
08/08/2023 (Pugh, Dylan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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