Fauna
Insect

Green Gem Fly

Microchrysa flavicornis

Also 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
Green Gem Fly reference1 / 6
(c) Stephan Mende, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Stephan Mende · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyNectar, 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.
Classification
  1. OrderDiptera
  2. FamilyStratiomyidae
  3. GenusMicrochrysa
  4. SpeciesMicrochrysa flavicornis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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