Black-horned Gem Fly
Microchrysa polita
This record describes Microchrysa polita (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
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Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.
Wikipedia reference for Microchrysa polita: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchrysa_polita.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Stratiomyidae (Soldier flies)
- Subfamily
- Sarginae
- Genus
- Microchrysa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Well wooded areas, hedgerows, gardens, and other well vegetated places.
Seasonal Activity
March to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It breeds in dung, rotting vegetable matter and compost heaps. Adults take flower nectar.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Microchrysa polita. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Black-horned Gem Fly (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Black-horned Gem Fly
How big is Black-horned Gem Fly?
2mm to 5mm (0.07" to 0.19")
Where is Black-horned Gem Fly found?
Habitat: Well wooded areas, hedgerows, gardens, and other well vegetated places.
When is Black-horned Gem Fly active?
Black-horned Gem Fly: seasonal activity - March to September..
What is the life cycle of a Black-horned Gem Fly?
It breeds in dung, rotting vegetable matter and compost heaps. Adults take flower nectar.