Cluster Flies

Pollenia

Cluster flies are small, fuzzy flies that often gather in groups. They like to find warm places to rest during the colder months and can sometimes be found buzzing around windows.

Hábitat: Urban areas

Aspecto

The Cluster Fly has a greyish-olive thorax covered in golden-brown hairs and a darker abdomen with irregular pale patches. It is often larger and more sluggish than a common house fly, and can display an iridescent sheen under certain light.

ReinoAnimaliaFiloArthropodaClaseInsectaOrdenDipteraFamiliaPolleniidaeGéneroPollenia

Cluster Flies

Categoría

Insectos

Rareza

Common

Peligro

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Snaps

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Datos interesantes

Did you know their babies grow inside earthworms? Gross but cool!

These flies have a secret weapon: they sometimes play dead to escape danger!

They often get mistaken for house flies, but cluster flies are bigger and slower.

When cold, hundreds of them huddle together like a fuzzy blanket.

Habilidades especiales

Cluster Flies can parasitize earthworms because their larvae burrow into and develop inside the worms, helping control their populations.

Cluster Flies can survive winter by gathering in large, inactive groups in sheltered spots, conserving energy until warmer weather.

Cluster Flies can find earthworms to lay eggs nearby by sensing their scent in the soil, ensuring larvae have food.

Medidas y detalles

Envergadura: 12-20 mm
Tamaño: 6-10 mm
Esperanza de vida: 10-30 días
Cantidad de patas: 6

Dieta y alimentación

Adult Cluster Flies sip on nectar and decaying fruit, while their larvae are worm-eaters!

Diferencias por edad: Larvae parasitize earthworms, while adults feed on plant sap and flower nectar.

Alimentos principales

nectar
plant sap
decaying fruit
earthworms

Conexiones ecológicas

parasitizes

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

Larvae develop inside and feed on this common earthworm.

eaten by

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

Adult cluster flies are sometimes caught and eaten by sparrows.

eaten by

Black and Yellow Garden Spider

Arigiope aurantia

These spiders can catch adult cluster flies in their sticky webs.

Rasgos

Peludo

Peludo describe a los animales que poseen una cubierta densa de pelo o pelaje suave.

Social

Los animales sociales viven en grupos organizados, cooperando para obtener beneficios de supervivencia como la búsqueda de alimento, la defensa y la cría de descendencia.

Descomponedor

Describe a los organismos que descomponen la materia orgánica muerta, reciclando los nutrientes de vuelta al ecosistema.

Diurno

Los animales diurnos están activos principalmente durante el día y suelen descansar o dormir por la noche.

Adaptado a la ciudad

Esta característica de hábitat indica especies que pueden coexistir con los humanos en entornos urbanos y suburbanos, utilizando estructuras artificiales y espacios verdes.