#polleniidae

[razehider]

while you should never ask anyone you care about to identify a blowfly for you, their close relatives Pollenia, or cluster flies, are unmistakable due to their beautiful golden hairs. there's probably also some distinctive wing venation shit going on because there always is with these things, but it doesn't matter because it looks like that and nothing else looks like that

(July 6th, 2025)

[drhoz]

#2276 - Pollenia sp. - Cluster Fly

AKA grass flies or attic flies. Probably Pollenia pediculata, although New Zealand has at least 30 species - quite diverse compared to the rest of the world.

The family Polleniidae are widespread, and not very well understood. Most species that have been studied are parasites of earthworms, but a few have been recorded from caterpillars and bees.

In cold weather Cluster Flies seek refuge in attic spaces and similar protected areas, emerging again on warm days only to get trapped en masse at the windows.

Tokaanu, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand.