Cluster Flies
ExploreInsects
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.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
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.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyPolleniidaeGenusPollenia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
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.
Special abilities
Ability
Parasite Power
Cluster Flies can parasitize earthworms because their larvae burrow into and develop inside the worms, helping control their populations.
Ability
Winter Huddle
Cluster Flies can survive winter by gathering in large, inactive groups in sheltered spots, conserving energy until warmer weather.
Ability
Scent Seeker
Cluster Flies can find earthworms to lay eggs nearby by sensing their scent in the soil, ensuring larvae have food.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 12-20 mm
- Size
- 6-10 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-30 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult Cluster Flies sip on nectar and decaying fruit, while their larvae are worm-eaters!
Age differences: Larvae parasitize earthworms, while adults feed on plant sap and flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- nectar
- plant sap
- decaying fruit
- earthworms
Ecological connections
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.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Cluster flies are safe, but it's best to leave them alone and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cluster Flies's wingspan?
12-20 mm
How big is Cluster Flies?
6-10 mm
How long does Cluster Flies live?
10-30 days
What does Cluster Flies eat?
Adult Cluster Flies sip on nectar and decaying fruit, while their larvae are worm-eaters!
Where is Cluster Flies usually found?
Urban areas
How many legs does Cluster Flies have?
6
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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