Bug Identifier
Cluster fly (likely)
Community identification

Cluster fly (likely)

Pollenia rudis

Order & Family
Diptera; Polleniidae
Size
About 6–10 mm long, with a 13–20 mm wingspan.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Adults commonly enter buildings for shelter, especially attics and wall voids, and occur outdoors in sunny areas near vegetation and soil. Larvae develop as parasites of earthworms.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on flower nectar, honeydew, and other sugary liquids. Larvae consume earthworms internally.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are sluggish, often bask on windows or cluster in warm sheltered spaces, and may overwinter indoors. They do not bite and reproduce outdoors, usually producing several generations annually.

Risks & Benefits

They are generally harmless to people, livestock, food, and structures, though indoor aggregations can be a nuisance. Their larvae help regulate earthworm populations and adults contribute modestly to pollination and decomposition.