Cluster Fly vs Thick-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cluster Fly | Thick-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pollenia rudis | Physocephala rufipes |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Calliphoridae | Conopidae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 8-14 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Underground |
| Diet | Parasites | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cluster Fly
A medium-sized, dark gray fly with golden-brown hairs on the thorax. In autumn, it gathers in large clusters inside buildings to hibernate, sometimes in the thousands.
Did You Know?
The larvae of this fly are earthworm parasites, burrowing into the worm through its skin and consuming it alive from the inside over several weeks.
Thick-headed Fly
A wasp-mimicking fly that parasitizes bumblebees by injecting eggs into them mid-flight.
Did You Know?
Infected bumblebees bury themselves in soil where the fly larva pupates.