Tufted Clusterfly
Pollenia pediculata
This record describes Pollenia pediculata (species). Recorded family: Polleniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species is difficult to distinguish from most other Pollenia species in the field but under a microscope it is easily confirmed by the presence of a tuft of pale hairs beneath the wing base close the base of the humeral cross-vein (see images below). The angle of light is crucial for seeing this feature, but with practice, it is easily detected and is reliable for both sexes. 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. Most likely to be recorded from late March through to late summer. The larvae are predators/parasitoids of the earthworm Eisenia rosea. This is a widespread and locally common species in Britain, and can be the most abundant Pollenia in some districts for certain weeks of the year.
Wikipedia reference for Pollenia pediculata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollenia_pediculata.
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 occurs in a wide variety of habitat.
Seasonal Activity
Most likely to be recorded from late March through to late summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are predators/parasitoids of the earthworm Eisenia rosea.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a widespread and locally common species in Britain, and can be the most abundant Pollenia in some districts for certain weeks of the year.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pollenia pediculata. 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 Tufted Clusterfly (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tufted Clusterfly
What is Tufted Clusterfly?
Tufted Clusterfly (Pollenia pediculata) is a species in the family Polleniidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Tufted Clusterfly found?
Habitat: It occurs in a wide variety of habitat.
When is Tufted Clusterfly active?
Tufted Clusterfly: seasonal activity - Most likely to be recorded from late March through to late summer..
What is the life cycle of a Tufted Clusterfly?
The larvae are predators/parasitoids of the earthworm Eisenia rosea.