Sargus cuprarius
(Linnaeus, 1758)
clouded centurion, Clouded Centurion Fly
Sargus cuprarius, commonly known as the clouded centurion, is a in the . It is a -sized with striking metallic coloration, ranging from 6–12 mm in body length. The is found across a broad geographic range spanning Western Europe, Russia, Central Asia, and North America. are active from June onward and inhabit open and wooded areas, particularly humid locations.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sargus cuprarius: //ˈsɑr.ɡʊs kjuːˈpreɪ.riʊs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Sargus by the combination of: green with purple transverse and dark upper edge; with sexually color pattern (purple in males, copper base in females); distinct darker spots below ; and knees on black legs. The metallic green- with fine yellow or whitish hair separates it from duller .
Images
Habitat
Open and wooded , particularly humid places. Associated with decomposing vegetable matter for larval development.
Distribution
Western Europe; North and South European Russia; Caucasus; mountains of Central Asia; Mongolia; North America. Confirmed present in Belgium (Flemish and Walloon regions), Denmark, and Norway.
Seasonality
active from June onward.
Life Cycle
Larval stage develops in decomposing vegetable matter.
Similar Taxa
- Other Sargus speciesShare metallic coloration and general , but differ in specific color patterns, markings, and abdominal coloration.
More Details
Taxonomic authority
First described by in 1758.