[4], Attempting to control the cluster fly by controlling their earthworm host is not recommended or effective since flies may originate from more than a mile away from the infestation site. They are particularly noticeable on warm winter days when they become active and find their way into living quarters. Pg 106. Adult female flies lay eggs in cracks in the soil in fields, gardens or lawns. P. rudis will overwinter until spring, living off of its own fat. Majorly, the larva feeds on earthworm species, where they develop to pupa while the adult p. rudis is herbivores on organic matter like sap, fruits and flowers (Vincas Buda 270). [19], There are very specific differences between the life cycle of Pollenia rudis in Europe and North America. Point of Contact: itiswebmaster@itis.gov. P. pallida has a broad, flattened facial keel. “An Account of its Dangerous Activities and the Means of Destroying it” The House Fly – Disease Carrier, 1911. pg 236-240. It is important that they find their host quickly, because larvae must penetrate a worm within three days in order to survive. Replacing potted soil or drying out soil will help reduce numbers. [6] This is possible due to the hibernation behaviors of the adult cluster flies to seek shelter for overwintering. [25] Careful examination of the flies revealed P. rudis is only capable of transmitting bacteria that causes opportunistic infections. [2] P. rudis can be found wherever their host earthworm, the Allolobophora[2][8][9][10] genera (also known by the genus name: Aporrectodea), occurs. Scientific name: Pollenia rudis Size 8mm. 1972. Biology. Complete Metamorphosis. The aristae are sensitive to minute temperature and pressure changes. [6][12] P. rudis may have been introduced to the United States upon slow sailing vessels in the cooler months of the year that traveled from Europe. It is bigger (8 to 10 mm) than the House Fly and other flies encountered indoors. [4] Once spring arrives the flies will try to leave on their own in order to lay eggs, but many times they enter other living areas of the home instead. [10][11] During the summer, P. rudis can be found in fields and open areas. Thomson AJ (1973) The biology of Pollenia rudis, the cluster fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae). However, cluster flies make their debut in the autumn when they fly to the sunny sides of homes in search of protected over-wintering sites and may be found flying about inside, often in great numbers, throughout the winter. Description and development The Cluster Fly (Pollenia rudis F.) is a holometabolous insect of the Diptera order and the Calliphoridae family. larvae on earthworms in the field was found only in Allolobophora chlorotica (Sav.) “A Summary of Published information on the cluster fly. Harris. Some specimens have black basicosta. Development time from egg to adult varies from 27-39 days. Howard, Leland O. [20] P. rudis adults of European origin copulate in the autumn , leaving their first instar larvae in a dormant state in the bodies of earthworms over the winter. They are mainly found in forest or wooded areas during the cold season. Without flight, this fly has no way of protecting itself from predators. Cluster flies are generally dark gray with golden yellow hairs on the thorax and irregular light and dark gray areas on the abdomen. The cluster fly, Pollenia dasypoda Portochisky, is known as endo-parasitoid on the earthworms, where all the three instar larvae complete their development inside the same parasitized individual of the earthworm. There are usually about 4 generations per year. Complete Metamorphosis. Cluster Fly, Pollenia rudis (F.) Diptera: Calliphoridae Theresa A. Dellinger and Eric Day, Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech Description Adult cluster flies are medium-sized, robust, somewhat bristly flies about 7 mm (0.3 inches) long. These wasps will sting the fly and inject some poison. Currently there are no reports of P. rudis reducing earthworm populations or causing horticultural problems. larvae on earthworms in the field was found only in Allolobophora chlorotica (Sav.) There have been several economically hampering cases of P. rudis infestation around the world. During the autumn and winter months, Pollenia rudis can be found overwintering inside of attics or lofts. Common Name: Cluster Fly Scientific name: Pollenia rudis Size 8mm Biology: Eggs are laid in soil cracks and wall cavities these will hatch in about 3 days. The variety of species in North America may account for the discrepancies between European and North American cluster flies life cycles. During the summer, on a sunny day these flies can be found without much trouble. Please contact us if you are having problems with cluster flies in your Wirral property. During the autumn and winter months, Pollenia rudis can be found overwintering inside of attics or lofts. This fungus causes disease within the fly resulting in a swollen abdomen. Ph.D. Thesis, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont. There are 2-3 rows of setae located on the thoracic section and 6-8 strong frontal bristles (bristles are thick setae). Larvae (‘worms' or ‘grubs') hatch in about 3 days and parasitize earthworms in the soil for 11 to 14 days. There are usually about 4 generations per year. When cluster flies do invade the home, they are extremely difficult to exterminate. Pollenia rudis Homeowners are accustomed to swatting flies in the kitchen during the summer months. Houskova L. Rozkosny R. “Diptera as Bioregulators of Earthworms in Southern Moravia Czechoslovakia. Due to the development of new housing in this area, this fly is rarely encountered. ... Common pest of dead rodents/birds etc. Pollenia rudis, the common cluster fly, is a species of fly in the family Calliphoridae. [18] The adult P. rudis are, in most cases, herbivores. Size and shape are aids in identification. Other species of worms were infected in the laboratory. Host location of first-instar larvae. P.dasyloda has a black head with yellow tint on the frons. Cluster flies are typically slow moving and pass the winter as adults so are very common in early spring. The flies will inhabit the old tunnels created by past insects. The stripes on the thorax are not as prominent as on the house fly and the tips of the wings overlap when at rest. [7] Piles of dead flies left in the walls can sometimes lead to secondary infestations of carpet or larder beetles and rodents. 1, pg 82-83. Pollenia rudis (Fabricius, 1794) Pollenia rudisdiffers from the similar P. angustigenain having two or three anterodorsal setae on the mid-tibiae, rather than one. The main predator of P. rudis larvae is the sphecid wasps. 1st ed. O. Vol. [22] However, these methods are not guaranteed for preventing infestations. Cambridge UP, 2002, Byrd, Dr. J.H. Inside the earthworm, the larvae feed until they are ready to pupate. Vol. An adult female was reared parasitically on the earthworm Allolobophora chlorotica Savigny. Richards P G. Morrison F O. Eggs hatch 0 – 18 hrs (partial development may occur within the female). http://www.ct.gov/CAES/cwp/view.asp?a=2815&q=376718, https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=151647, http://www.ento.psu.edu/Extension/factsheets/clusterflies.htm, http://www.varmentguard.com/pestlibrary/CLUSTER%20FLY.pdf, http://www.extension.umnedu/distribution/housingandclothing/DK7579.html, Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae, http://www.pestid.msu.edu/InsectsArthropods/ClusterFlyPolleniarudis/tabid/254/Default.aspx, http://www.forensicentomology.com/definition.htm, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pollenia_rudis&oldid=975071869, Articles with dead external links from March 2018, Articles with permanently dead external links, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 26 August 2020, at 15:47. 6–10mm in length. In 1973, a massive infestation of cluster flies in a German Hospital triggered an investigation of the relationship between P. rudis and bacteria pathogen transmission. [6][12] This species gained particular attention in the United States when Dr. W. H. Dall, of the Smithsonian Institution, published an article in the Proceedings of the U.S. National Museum for 1882. The author concludes that P. rudis may hibernate as an adult, and that the eggs are then laid in April. Pollenia rudis, the common cluster fly, is a species of fly in the family Calliphoridae. CVII No. 12, pg 475-502. [22] They possess the ability to squeeze their bodies through any exterior crevices of a home, such as cracks around windows and doors, air conditioning vents, screening vents, and loosely hung siding. [3][4] During the autumn and winter months, Pollenia rudis can be found overwintering inside of attics or lofts. Slime and coelomic fluid, from all species of worms tested, induced penetration behaviour. Eggs are laid in soil cracks and wall cavities these will hatch in about 3 days. However, the urban subfield of forensic entomology has been closely monitoring P. rudis because of its tendency to infest buildings and its status as a potential disease vector. [11], The common name "cluster fly" was derived from the clustering behavior in adults of this species in attics and lofts. [2] The common name, "buckwheat fly", is derived from the odor of buckwheat honey the species gives off when they are crushed. During the autumn and winter months, Pollenia rudis can be found overwintering inside of attics or lofts. Cluster flies in North America overwinter in their adult stage, and copulation takes place in the spring. P. rudis can be found wherever their host earthworm, the Allolobophora genera (also known by the genus name: Aporrectodea), occurs. Abstract. Pollenia rudis is most commonly known for being a household nuisance. Specimens in poor condition may lack setae, causing them to resemble P. angustigena,particularly females. Pollenia rudis is also known as the attic fly, the loft fly, pollenie du lombric, and the buckwheat fly. Because of their clustering ability, they lead to secondary infestations of beetles, carpet … Dr. Dall secured specimens of P. rudis for identification. This sluggish species can be found “clustering” near the interior windows of a warm structure. The life-cycle of Pollenia rudis, F., is described. This fly infests earthworms of the genus Allolobophora but not apparently Lumbricum herculeus. Pollenia mais, F., is common in most parts of the United States, especially in the autumn, when it frequently seeks hibernation quarters in houses, and again in spring when emerging from hibernation. It would be tempting to talk about cluster flies such as Pollenia rudis at this point but most in the industry know about their overwintering capabilities as adults, especially in attics. However, cluster flies make their debut in the autumn when they fly to the sunny sides of homes in search of protected over-wintering sites and may be found flying about inside, often in great numbers, throughout the winter. [1], Adult cluster flies in North America are slow-flying insects that are active during warmer months. [15] The similarities between pallida and rudis are seen in the female specimens. A newly emerged fly has many golden hairs on its thorax which may be lost throughout the life of the fly. While feeding, the P. rudis larvae leave the spiracles outside of the earthworm. When it is cold these flies tend to find somewhere warm and dry. The cluster fly, Pollenia dasypoda Portochisky, is known as endo-parasitoid on the earthworms, where all the three instar larvae complete their development inside the same parasitized individual of the earthworm. Scripta Facultatis Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Purkynianae Brunensis. Persistent use of insecticides has also been shown to reduce fly numbers if sprayed on the exterior of a home. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. [22] P. rudis is extremely troublesome to home and business owners, but does not cause any true damage to home structures, textiles, foods, or humans. Dr. Dall also documented the species appearance in Geneva, NY thirty years prior to his publication. [20] In Canada, 25–30 days are required when the temperature is 23°C, and 11-14 of these days are spent in the pupal stage. During the winter, adult P. rudis' have a habit of overwintering. These earthworms are typically located in well-drained, silt-loam soil with grass cover. A larva is prompted to penetrate an earthworm when it senses “penetration inducing factor,” a substance that is present in the slime and coelomic fluid of an earthworm. Accession Number : AD0768630 Title : The Egg and Chorion of 'Pollenia rudis' (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Corporate Author : MACDONALD COLL STE ANNE DE BELLEVUE DEPT OF ENTOMOLOGY Personal Author(s) : Richards,P. There are also other generalist predators of this fly, such as ants, birds, and certain plants. “A Summary of Published information on the cluster fly Pollenia rudis (Fabricus) (Diptera: Calliphoridae).” Phytoprotection. [14], Earthworms are a major source of food for Pollenia rudis. Pollenia rudis Homeowners are accustomed to swatting flies in the kitchen during the summer months. Slime and coelomic fluid, from all species of worms tested, induced penetration behaviour. P. rudis is also attracted to malt extract, acetyl acetate and the proteins in animal meat. “Cluster Fly, "Cluster Flies" Cornell Cooperative Extension Nassau County 2003-01, Lyon, William F. "Cluster and Face Flies" Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet. 27°C) the pupal stage can be as short as 7 days. [8] It is only when there is a sudden drop in temperature[8] that the cluster fly shifts to the interior of structures, holes in trees, loose bark, or other crevices and cavities. [7], All flies can be identified from other species by certain characteristics. Plant sap, fruit, flowers and feces are common energy pathways for P. rudis. Cluster fly (Pollenia rudis) Appearance. Scientific name: Pollenia rudis Size 8mm. [1] The larvae will then molt twice over approximately 20 days and then pupate outside of the host. The first reports of cluster flies as pests in homes occurred as early as the nineteenth century, and these flies continue to cause problems today. [21] Once the host worm begins to decompose and is no longer useful to the larvae, the larvae can either leave to find another host or move to a less decomposed section further down on its host worm. It is bigger (8 to 10 mm) than the House Fly and other flies encountered indoors. The main species of earthworm that these cluster flies infect are Aporrectoda caliginosa, Aporrectoda chlorotica, Eisenia lucens, Lumbricus rubellus, and Lumbricus terrestris. [1] Cluster flies tend to enter homes and buildings in large masses in late summer or early autumn to seek shelter for the winter months. Pollenia rudis, the common cluster fly, is a species of fly in the family Polleniidae. Development time from egg to adult varies from 27-39 days. of the genus Allolobophora but not apparently Lumbricum herculeus. [20] In total, a female cluster fly will lay an average of 100-130 eggs by ovipositing a small group, then crawling or flying some distance before ovipositing each subsequent group of eggs. [17], Entomophthora muscae or Entomophthora schizophorae is a fungus that commonly infects adult flies. Trying to kill the flies with a fly swatter leads to greasy spots on walls and upholstery as well as a lingering smell of buckwheat honey. Pg 105. [1] Due to cases like these, scientists have investigated the association of Pollenia rudis and its disease vector capability. Page designed through the cooperative efforts of interagency ITIS Teams. 1989. Cluster flies are typically slow moving and pass the winter as adults so are very common in early spring. [11], Unlike the majority of blow flies in the family Calliphoridae, Pollenia rudis does not play a large role in the medico-criminal subfield of forensic entomology. and Eisenia rosea (Sav.). Faulde, M; Sobe, D; Burghardt, H; Wermter, R. “Hospital infestation by the cluster fly, Pollenia rudis sensu stricto Fabricius 1794 (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and its possible role in transmission of bacterial pathogens in Germany.” International Journal of Hygiene & Environmental Health. The number of bristles and setae found on this species are characteristic of this species only. In order to prevent cluster flies from entering a house, all exterior cracks and openings should be caulked or sealed. [23] This unique characteristic makes it uncommon to see this particular blowfly near forensic investigations. Development time from egg to adult varies from 27-39 days. The literature dealing with this fly, which is scanty, is reviewed, and the life-history and habits are described from observations in captivity. Once the larvae hatch, they burrow into the soil by following natural pore spaces, such as holes near plant stems or paths that earthworms have already created. Immature cluster flies are earthworm parasites. [1][21] The larvae then use their mandibles to penetrate the dorsal side of a worm. Parasitism by Pollenia rudis (Fabr.) Parasitism by Pollenia rudis (Fabr.) [8] The cluster fly is slightly larger than a house fly at 9.525-12.7mm (3/8-1/2 inch) long. April 26, 2018 The large sluggish flies known as cluster or “attic" flies (Pollenia rudis and relatives) often invade New Hampshire homes in fall and turn into wintertime pests. A. Pesticide appli-cations can be used to kill existing flies for … The first reports of cluster flies as pests in homes occurred as early as the nineteenth century, and these flies continue to cause problems today. Observations on the form and development of the immature stages of Pollenia rudis Fabricius Diptera Calliphoridae are presented. Pollenia rudis, the common cluster fly, is a species of fly in the family Polleniidae. They are very small and white. They feed on many types of organic matter. Richards P. G. Morrison F. O. They can also be found in old bird nests, under the bark of trees, or in homes. [1] Pollenia rudis is also known as the attic fly,[2][3][4] the loft fly,[1] pollenie du lombric [French],[5] and the buckwheat fly. Because of their clustering ability, they lead to secondary infestations of beetles, carpet … If a first instar larva decides to move to another host, it must penetrate its new host quickly in order to survive. “Pollenia rudis (Fabr.). General information about Pollenia (1POLLG) THIS WEBSITE USES COOKIES Our website uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best possible online experience. Habits: As the days shorten and the weather cools [9][12][13] The change of genus to Pollenia (suggested by the pollen of flowers) occurred for Muscids having, among other features, the thorax covered with "down-like clothing". Description The typical cluster fly Pollenia rudis is about 7 mm long, has short golden-coloured hairs on the thorax and irregular light and dark grey areas on the abdomen. Fungus Gnat. Adult flies emerge a few days later. Urban entomology, which deals with the insects that affect man and his immediate environment,[24] is responsible for investigating economic issues and civil proceedings involving arthropods. The ecology of Pollenia rudis (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and its host earthworms (Lumbricidae), with special reference to the host-parasite relationship between P. rudis and Eisenia rosea. [14] The adult Pollenia rudis looks like most of the other Pollenia species such as pallida, and dasylpoda. "Cluster Flies" Penn State Entomological Notes 2003-03, Alm, Steven R. "Cluster Fly" University of Rhode Island GreenShare Factsheets 1999. Common Name: Cluster Fly Scientific name: Pollenia rudis Size 8mm Biology: Eggs are laid in soil cracks and wall cavities these will hatch in about 3 days. Jacobs, Steven B. Thomson AJ, Davies DM (1973) The biology of, Howard, Russell "Insects and Arthropods" Diagnostic Services at Michigan State 2006, Greenberg, Bernard, and Kunich, John C. Entomology and the Law. Specimens in poor condition may lack setae, causing them to resemble P. angustigena,particularly females. The typical grass fly Pollenia rudis is about 7 mm long and can be recognised by distinct lines or stripes behind the head, short golden-coloured hairs on the thorax, and irregular light and dark gray areas on the abdomen.Cluster flies are typically slow-moving. Development time from egg to adult varies from 27-39 days. They can differ in thoracic coloring, basicosta coloring, and spiracle coloring. It would be tempting to talk about cluster flies such as Pollenia rudis at this point but most in the industry know about their overwintering capabilities as adults, especially in attics. [1], Female cluster flies preferentially oviposit eggs in humid areas with dense surface vegetation and high soil moisture. This species is widely distributed throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe and is considered a pest species in structures. 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