Oxycera analis, the dark-winged soldier, is a species of soldier fly.[1][2][3]
This rather rare species can be found in most of Europe and in the Near East.[4]
These soldier flies usually inhabit woodland springs, calcareous seepages, small streams and sometimes fens and marshes.[5][6]
Oxycera analis can reach a length of 5.5–7 millimetres (0.22–0.28 in) and a wingspan of 5.9–6.6 millimetres (0.23–0.26 in).[7] In males of these medium-small soldier flies the body is almost entirely black, but the scutellar tubercles can be yellowish. In any case in the females the apex of tergite 5 of the scutellum is yellowish. Moreover the scutellum has two spines. Also the abdomen is black with a single apical spot, rarely with yellow side-markings. Antennal apical consists of the two last flagellomeres. Wings show a distinct dark cloud in the otherwise clear wings.[7][8]
Adults of Oxycera analis can be found in Summer, with a peak in June and July. Larvae live in the sediments and mosses associated with wetlands.[5][9]
Oxycera analis, the dark-winged soldier, is a species of soldier fly.