Narrow-cheeked Clusterfly
Pollenia angustigena
This record describes Pollenia angustigena (species). Recorded family: Polleniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
It has the golden thoracic hairs, typical of the Pollenia genus, and generally looks the same as the common clusterfly - Pollenia rudis. Both sexes have the jowls below the eyes slightly narrower than in P. rudis and average a little smaller and slimmer. There are 8 Pollenia species in Britain, most of which require microscopic examination to key out. See ID Aids below. Pollenia rudis is generally the most common species though some of the others are also common. 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. It can be found sunning on sheltered fences and tree trunks. Spring to autumn, and tends to be earlier than Pollenia rudis. The larvae attack earthworms, though host preferences appear to be unknown. Widespread, and locally common species in Britain, which can be the most abundant clusterfly in many districts, especially in spring.
Wikipedia reference for Pollenia angustigena: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollenia_angustigena.
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
It can be found sunning on sheltered fences and tree trunks.
Seasonal Activity
Spring to autumn, and tends to be earlier than Pollenia rudis.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae attack earthworms, though host preferences appear to be unknown.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread, and locally common species in Britain, which can be the most abundant clusterfly in many districts, especially in spring.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pollenia angustigena. 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 Narrow-cheeked Clusterfly (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Narrow-cheeked Clusterfly
What is Narrow-cheeked Clusterfly?
Narrow-cheeked Clusterfly (Pollenia angustigena) is a species in the family Polleniidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Narrow-cheeked Clusterfly found?
Habitat: It can be found sunning on sheltered fences and tree trunks.
When is Narrow-cheeked Clusterfly active?
Narrow-cheeked Clusterfly: seasonal activity - Spring to autumn, and tends to be earlier than Pollenia rudis..
What is the life cycle of a Narrow-cheeked Clusterfly?
The larvae attack earthworms, though host preferences appear to be unknown.