Insect · GBIF taxon 1578588
Green Gem Fly
Microchrysa flavicornisAlso known as Green Gem Soldierfly, Green Gem
Green Gem Flies are tiny metallic-green soldier flies that sun themselves on broad leaves in European gardens, meadows, and woodland edges. Females lay eggs near rich organic detritus and compost, where their slow-moving larvae act as vital decomposers. Adults spend warm afternoons darting between sunspots and sipping nectar or honeydew.
MetallicPollinatorDiurnal
1 / 6—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Nectar
- Pollen
- Honeydew
Predators
- Spiders
- Insectivorous Birds
- Robber Flies
ThreatsPesticide application and clean-clearing of decaying organic materials.
HabitatsGardens, damp woodlands, hedgerows, and compost heaps.
Life span1 year overall; adults live 2 to 4 weeks.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderDiptera
- FamilyStratiomyidae
- GenusMicrochrysa
- SpeciesMicrochrysa flavicornis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Leaf Scanning: Search the upper surfaces of broad sunlit leaves in early summer.
- Macro Photography: Approach slowly from behind as these small flies spook easily from sudden shadows.
- Compost Support: Maintain active garden compost piles to provide ideal larval breeding habitat.
Close Relative (c) S. Rae, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Member (c) Nash Turley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nash Turley · cc-by
Family Member
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