Awkward Clusterfly
Pollenia rudis
This record describes Pollenia rudis (species). Recorded family: Polleniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The typical cluster fly Pollenia rudis is about 7 mm long, has short golden-coloured hairs on the thorax and irregular light and dark grey areas on the abdomen. Cluster flies are typically slow moving and pass the winter as adults so are very common in early spring. 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. Explain how you identified this fly and the key features. In autumn, it can be commonly found sunning on sheltered fences and tree trunks. Cluster flies are so called because they congregate, often in large numbers, to hibernate in attics and out-houses. Its larvae parasitise earthworms.
Wikipedia reference for Pollenia rudis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollenia_rudis.
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
In autumn, it can be commonly found sunning on sheltered fences and tree trunks.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Cluster flies are so called because they congregate, often in large numbers, to hibernate in attics and out-houses. Its larvae parasitise earthworms.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pollenia rudis. 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 Awkward Clusterfly (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Awkward Clusterfly
What is Awkward Clusterfly?
Awkward Clusterfly (Pollenia rudis) is a species in the family Polleniidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Awkward Clusterfly found?
Habitat: In autumn, it can be commonly found sunning on sheltered fences and tree trunks.
When is Awkward Clusterfly active?
Awkward Clusterfly: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Awkward Clusterfly?
Cluster flies are so called because they congregate, often in large numbers, to hibernate in attics and out-houses. Its larvae parasitise earthworms.