Pachygaster atraPachygaster atra, the dark-winged black, is a European species of soldier fly.DescriptionA minute lustrous black fly with a round abdomen Body length 2–3 mm. Brilliant black. Eyes black and green. Proboscis brown. Antennae brown, red. Halteres brown.BiologyThe habitat is deciduous woodland, on tree leaves, and bark, on hedge foliage. Larvae have been found in decomposed elm wood, garden compost heaps, decaying vegetation and leaf litter. The flight period is from June to August.DistributionCentral and South European Russia, Caucasus. West Europe. Common.