Insect · GBIF taxon 1578600
Black-horned Gem Fly
Microchrysa politaAlso known as Black-horned Gem, Polished Soldier Fly
Black-horned gem flies are tiny, jewel-like soldier flies frequently seen basking on sunlit foliage in gardens, hedgerows, and parks. Adults shimmer with vibrant metallic emerald-green or coppery bronze bodies set against jet-black antennae. Their maggots live in decaying vegetation, dung, and compost heaps, serving as vital decomposers in terrestrial ecosystems.
MetallicDiurnalPollinator
—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 overuse and loss of unmanaged organic waste piles.
HabitatsGardens, parks, hedgerows, damp woodlands, and agricultural fields.
Life span1 year (larval stage dominates; adults live 2 to 4 weeks).
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderDiptera
- FamilyStratiomyidae
- GenusMicrochrysa
- SpeciesMicrochrysa polita
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
- Spotting: Look for adults sunbathing on broad leaves on warm, sunny summer afternoons.
- Approach: Move slowly with a camera, as basking adults often tolerate close observation.
- Garden Care: Retain compost piles to provide rich breeding sites for their larvae.
Close Relative (c) Stephan Mende, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Stephan Mende · cc-by
Family Relative 
Family Relative (c) Nash Turley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nash Turley · cc-by
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