Dark-based Clusterfly
Pollenia labialis
This record describes Pollenia labialis (species). Recorded family: Polleniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
It can be distinguished from P. rudis and all other Pollenia species except P. amentaria (which has a black abdomen) by the dark hind thoracic spiracle and dark basicosta at each wing base. There are 8 Pollenia species recorded in Britain, most of which can't be identified without microscopic examination to key out complex features. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Associated with peaty, base-poor areas such as valley mires, old dune slacks, edges of bogs, grazing marshes of places like west Hampshire and the Norfolk Broads. The larvae are presumed to attack snails. This is a widespread but localised species. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Pollenia labialis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollenia_labialis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Polleniidae
- Genus
- Pollenia (Cluster flies)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with peaty, base-poor areas such as valley mires, old dune slacks, edges of bogs, grazing marshes of places like west Hampshire and the Norfolk Broads.
Seasonal Activity
Spring to autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are presumed to attack snails.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a widespread but localised species.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pollenia labialis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Dark-based Clusterfly (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark-based Clusterfly
What is Dark-based Clusterfly?
Dark-based Clusterfly (Pollenia labialis) is a species in the family Polleniidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Dark-based Clusterfly found?
Habitat: Associated with peaty, base-poor areas such as valley mires, old dune slacks, edges of bogs, grazing marshes of places like west Hampshire and the Norfolk Broads.
When is Dark-based Clusterfly active?
Dark-based Clusterfly: seasonal activity - Spring to autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Dark-based Clusterfly?
The larvae are presumed to attack snails.