Pollenia amentaria
This record describes Pollenia amentaria (species). Recorded family: Polleniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The clusterfly Pollenia amentaria can be recognised because the black tergites lack obvious dusting. Fresh specimens of Pollenia amentaria with lots of golden hairs on the thorax are very striking. Males have a broad build and eyes that are only narrowly separated. A sharp and narrow facial keel is present between the antennae. This is also the only clusterfly with 5 to 6 pairs of strong scutellar marginal bristles (other species have 3 to 4 pairs). Females are also unusual in having an anterior preapical bristle on the mid femora. It can occur in a wide range of habitats. The larvae are thought to attack earthworms like other Pollenia species. P. amentaria is a widespread but localised species that become more frequent in the north and west.
Wikipedia reference for Pollenia amentaria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollenia_amentaria.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Polleniidae
- Genus
- Pollenia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It can occur in a wide range of habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Spring to autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are thought to attack earthworms like other Pollenia species.
Additional species information
Recorded status
P. amentaria is a widespread but localised species that become more frequent in the north and west.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pollenia amentaria. 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 Pollenia amentaria (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pollenia amentaria
What is Pollenia amentaria?
Pollenia amentaria is a species in the family Polleniidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Pollenia amentaria found?
Habitat: It can occur in a wide range of habitats.
When is Pollenia amentaria active?
Pollenia amentaria: seasonal activity - Spring to autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Pollenia amentaria?
The larvae are thought to attack earthworms like other Pollenia species.