Microchrysa polita, the black-horned gem, is a species of soldier fly found in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Description A small species (Body 4.5 to 5.5.mm. long) Antennae black. Legs predominantly black. Pubescence in middle part of mesonotum and on abdomen black in male.Seguy. E. Faune de France Faune n° 13 1926. Diptères Brachycères. 308 p., 685 fig.E. P. Narchuk in Bei-Bienko, G. Ya, 1988 Keys to the insects of the European Part of the USSR Volume 5 (Diptera) Part 2 English edition. Keys to Palaearctic species but now needs revision.
Biology The flight period is March to September. Habitats are deciduous woodland edges, wooded areas, hedgerows, gardens, and parks. Larvae have been found in soil, decomposing grass and leaves, and compost.
Distribution Russia, Siberia, Central Asia, Mongolia, Western Europe, United States, and Canada.
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