Polietes meridionalis
This record describes Polietes meridionalis (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 10 mm. A greyish fly with a chequered appearance and striped thorax. The front spiracle is yellow and the parafacial and anterior gena is yellow/gold. Polietes lardarius is very similar but this species has a grey/white front spiracle and the dusting on the parafacial and gena is silver/grey. with good images showing the top of the thorax and a side image showing the front spiracle and face. Good images are required showing the key ID features. Around cattle pasture. Can be found sunning on walls, fences and vegetation. Breeds in dung. Adults are attracted to Stinkhorn fungi. Its similarity to P. lardarius probably explains why it is under-recorded. It was thought to be a recent colonist but examination of museum specimens shows that it was in the UK in 1800.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around cattle pasture. Can be found sunning on walls, fences and vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
May to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Breeds in dung. Adults are attracted to Stinkhorn fungi.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Uncommon or under-recorded.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Polietes meridionalis. 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 meridionalis (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Polietes meridionalis
What is Polietes meridionalis?
Polietes meridionalis is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Polietes meridionalis?
about 10 mm. A greyish fly with a chequered appearance and striped thorax. The front spiracle is yellow and the parafacial and anterior gena is yellow/gold.
Where is Polietes meridionalis found?
Habitat: Around cattle pasture. Can be found sunning on walls, fences and vegetation.
When is Polietes meridionalis active?
Polietes meridionalis: seasonal activity - May to October..
What is the life cycle of a Polietes meridionalis?
Breeds in dung. Adults are attracted to Stinkhorn fungi.