Broad Centurion Fly

Appearance

''Chloromyia formosa'' can reach a length of 7.3–9 millimetres and a wing length of 6–7 millimetres. Their body is elongated, the thorax is metallic green, the head is hemispherical without hair, while the eyes are quite hairy. Antennae are short, the first antennal segment is longer than the second. The legs are black, only the knees are yellow. The abdomen is flattened and broad.

An evident dimorphism exists between the males and the females of this species. In females the abdomen is blue-green with a purple sheen , while in males it shows a copper-green sheen. The female’s eyes are separated from each other. The wings are yellowish-brown.

Distribution

This species is present in most of Europe , in the Near East, in the Nearctic ecozone and in North Africa.

Behavior

Adults can mostly be encountered from April through August, feeding on nectar of flowers and on pollen of ''Filipendula ulmaria'' . Between April and August these insects mate several times. The larvae develop in humus-rich soil, feeding on dead leaves and other decaying vegetal substances. After reaching the final stage larvae overwinter.

Habitat

These flies mainly inhabit wooded areas, hedge rows, moist forests, wet meadows, parks and gardens.