CHRYSIS, or GOLDEN-FLY, in natural history: A genus of insects belonging to the order of hymenoptera. The mouth is armed with jaws, but has no proboscis; the antennae are filiform, bent, and consist of 12 articulations; the abdomen is arched, with a scale on each side; the anus is dentated, and armed with a sting; the wings lie plain; and the body appears as if gilt. There are several species; but the ignita, or flaming chrysis, is beautified with the most resplendent colours. The fore-part of its head is green and gold, and the hinder of a lovely azure. The thorax is likewise azure over, with a mixture of green, and terminates at its extremity with sharp points on both sides. The abdomen is green and gold before, and of a coppery-red behind, imitating molten copper highly polished. The whole insect is dotted on its upper part, which gives it a great resplendency of colour. The antennae are black, and legs green intermixed with gold. This species dwells in holes of walls between the stones, and in the mortar that cements them. It is often seen issuing from such holes, where it nestles and performs its work. The larvae, which resemble those of the wasp, likewise inhabit the holes of decayed walls.