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| | | Chloromyia formosa | | Chloromyia formosa belong to the genus Chloromyia, in the order two-winged flies (Diptera), the suborder true flies (Brachycera) [ unranked: Orthorrhapha], the infraorder Stratiomyomorpha, the family soldier flies (Stratiomyidae) and the subfamily Sarginae. The species is common and widespread from southern Scandinavia and Western Europe to North Africa. In Central Europe it is the most common species of soldier fly. Some time ago it was introduced into the eastern United States. | | |
| | | | Adult Chloromyia formosa reach body lengths of 7-9 mm. Their bodies are metallic coloured and slimly built. Their hairy, purple-violet eyes are an important identifying characteristic. Chloromyia formosa have a broad, flat abdomen. The sides remain uncovered when the wings, yellow tinted and smoky brown, are in resting position. The female’s abdomen is a metallic greenish-blue colour with a purple sheen (depending on the light), while the male’s is a coppery-green colour. The tibiae of the legs have no spurs. | | |
| | | | Chloromyia formosa prefer wooded areas, copses, hedgerows, parks and gardens. They are diurnal and active from May to August. In sunny weather they can seen on leaves or on the umbels of the parsley family (hogweed). They usually eat pollen and nectar. Occasionally, however, they rely on animal manure substrates. | | |
| | | | Sexual maturity is reached when the fly is fully developed and these insects mate several times between May and August. The fertilized females lay their eggs on rotting plants, aquatic plants or on the surface of water. | | |
| | | The larvae have a flat, uniform body, which gets thinner at the ends. The skin is leathery and due to calcium deposits, is like a shell. It also protects the larvae from drying out. The larvae live in compost, humus or manure where they feed on decaying plant debris (leaf debris, rotten tree bark etc). After reaching the final larval stage they overwinter. Insectivores, birds and spiders are all natural enemies of Chloromyia formosa. | | |
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| | | Description of images / photos | | 1. | Chloromyia formosa | | 2. | Soldier fly - Chloromyia formosa | | 3. | Chloromyia formosa - Top view | | 4. | Stratiomyidae - Chloromyia formosa |
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