Natural England

Natural England

Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

© 2006-2010. Database provided and managed on behalf of Natural England by The Plant Press. Designed and implemented by Ideal Integration Ltd

 

Search

Type a name in the box (see Help for simple rules) or set the criteria you want to use for the search. Click an item to see details and links. To search for the complete list of plants and/or creatures type a space in the box before you press Search.

   

Microchrysa polita - a soldier fly - Family: Stratiomyidae

Microchrysa polita - a soldier flyMicrochrysa polita - a soldier fly
© Roger Key/English Nature
UK distribution - East Anglia, Midlands, North, South East, South West

The adult of this soldier fly is small and bright metallic green. The larvae live in rotting vegetable matter and are often abundant in garden compost.

This is a widespread and common soldier fly, often found in long grass, scrub, hedgerows, woodland edge and other lush vegetation. The flight period is from March to September.

Food

Detritus feeder: larvae in organic matter, grass heaps etc; adults feed on flower nectar and honeydew.

Predators

Large red damselfly

391