Common Green Colonel
Oplodontha viridula
Oplodontha viridula, the common green colonel, is a European species of soldier fly.
37
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oplodontha_viridula
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Stratiomyidae
Genus
Oplodontha
Common Green Colonel belongs to the family Stratiomyidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Oplodontha viridula, the common green colonel, is a European species of soldier fly.
The Common Green Colonel faces significant pressure from habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion across its range. Climate change is altering the distribution and abundance of its preferred host plants, while increased pesticide use in agricultural areas reduces prey availability and may cause direct mortality.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits open woodlands, forest edges, grasslands, and agricultural areas with scattered trees, typically in lowland and hill country up to 1000m elevation. It requires areas with abundant flowering plants and is often found in mixed habitats that include both native vegetation and modified landscapes.
Threats
Agricultural intensification and pesticide use
Deforestation for development
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Climate change impacts on host plant distribution
Loss of native grassland habitats
Found in 37 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Common Green Colonel (Oplodontha viridula). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/common-green-colonel