Broad Centurian
Chloromyia formosa
Description
Over all length 8 - 9mm. Both sexes have a shiny, metallic green thorax. The male has a bronze-coloured abdomen while, in the female, this is metallic blue.
Habitat
Often seen feeding on nectar from umbelliferous flowers, along hedgerows and woodland edges. The larvae feed on decaying organic matter.
Status and distribution
Found in most parts of lowland Britain, where it is common, but absent from much of Scotland. Common on the reserve.
Best time to see
May to August.