Polietes lardarius
This record describes Polietes lardarius (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 10 mm. This is a large muscid, superficially looking like a sarcophagid flesh-fly. It has a blue-grey chequered abdomen and jagged stripes on the thorax. The scutellum also usually has stripes or blotches. It has silvery dusting on the face and a silver/grey anterior spiracle. Polietes meriodionalis is very similar (and was once thought to be the same species) but can be distinguished by the yellow anterior spiracle and yellow/gold dusting on the face. Good images of both the top and the side of the fly are needed. Particularly common around cattle grazing areas. It likes to perch on walls, fences and foliage in the sun. Breeds in dung. Adults are also attracted to Stinkhorn fungi. Common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Particularly common around cattle grazing areas. It likes to perch on walls, fences and foliage in the sun.
Seasonal Activity
From summer to late autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Breeds in dung. Adults are also attracted to Stinkhorn fungi.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Polietes lardarius. 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 Polietes lardarius (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Polietes lardarius
What is Polietes lardarius?
Polietes lardarius is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Polietes lardarius?
about 10 mm. This is a large muscid, superficially looking like a sarcophagid flesh-fly. It has a blue-grey chequered abdomen and jagged stripes on the thorax. The scutellum also usually has stripes or blotches. It has silvery dusting on the face and a silver/grey anterior spiracle.
Where is Polietes lardarius found?
Habitat: Particularly common around cattle grazing areas. It likes to perch on walls, fences and foliage in the sun.
When is Polietes lardarius active?
Polietes lardarius: seasonal activity - From summer to late autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Polietes lardarius?
Breeds in dung. Adults are also attracted to Stinkhorn fungi.