Broad Centurion
Chloromyia formosa
This record describes Chloromyia formosa (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
9 mm. This is attractive soldier fly has sexes that are very different in appearance. Both have a shiny green thorax but the female has a blue-green abdomen, sometimes with a violet sheen, and the male has a bronze abdomen. The eyes are covered in dense black hairs, which helps to distinguish it from the similar Sargus solder flies Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Inhabits woods, hedgerows, parks and gardens. The flight period is from May until August. Larvae feed on decaying organic matter. Adults take nectar from flowers, especially Hogweed. This species is widespread and common throughout Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Chloromyia formosa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chloromyia_formosa.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Stratiomyidae (Soldier flies)
- Subfamily
- Sarginae
- Genus
- Chloromyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Inhabits woods, hedgerows, parks and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
The flight period is from May until August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed on decaying organic matter. Adults take nectar from flowers, especially Hogweed.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is widespread and common throughout Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chloromyia formosa. 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 Broad Centurion (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Broad Centurion
What is Broad Centurion?
Broad Centurion (Chloromyia formosa) is a species in the family Stratiomyidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Broad Centurion found?
Habitat: Inhabits woods, hedgerows, parks and gardens.
When is Broad Centurion active?
Broad Centurion: seasonal activity - The flight period is from May until August..
What is the life cycle of a Broad Centurion?
Larvae feed on decaying organic matter. Adults take nectar from flowers, especially Hogweed.