ICluster Fly > Pollenia rudis

Description: This is a medium sized brownish-black fly with a dense covering of golden hairs on the thorax, although these tend to get rubbed off the top as the fly ages, as can be seen in the photograph (left). In the autumn, adults often come indoors in large numbers, or 'clusters' (hence the common name) to overwinter, sheltering on the warm sides and roofs of houses or in seldom used rooms. The cluster fly is widespread and very abundant. Eggs are laid in the ground and the larvae parasitise earthworms, eating their host over a period of months. Return to Flies Index Return to Main Index flower, flowers, wild, wildflowers, countryside, daisy, daisies, sea, mayweed, seeds, gardening, lawns, shrubs, trees, flowers, cultivate, garden, hedgerows