Iridescent centurion - Sargus iridatus

    Click here to support NatureSpot by making a donation - small or large - your gift is very much appreciated. Thank you.
    Description

    Length 6 to 12 mm. The sexes of this soldier fly are similar in appearance, but the female is slightly broader at the hind end. The body is an iridescent deep blue and the wings are uniformly smoky.

    Identification difficulty
    Recording advice

    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.

    Habitat

    Various habitats.

    When to see it

    May to August.

    Life History

    Breeds in dung, often cow dung.

    UK Status

    Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

    VC55 Status

    Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

    • Graham Calow
      Sapcote garden1
      23 July 2012
    • Graham Calow
      Sapcote garden1
      23 July 2012

    Leicestershire & Rutland Map

    MAP KEY:

    Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
    Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

    UK Map