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mgarr Hanover Twp., PA(Zone 6a) Oct 31, 2008

Does anyone know the name of this fly.

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wallaby1 Lincoln, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) Nov 01, 2008

It's a Pollenia species, Family Calliphoridae, not possible to say which one. They live in roof spaces and utilise old bird's nests.

http://diptera.info/photogallery.php?photo_id=1177

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mgarr Hanover Twp., PA(Zone 6a) Nov 01, 2008

Thank you.

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wallaby1 Lincoln, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) Nov 01, 2008

You're welcome. This fly is also food for wasps, it seems to be the main food supply for some Digger Wasps. I have watched them flying off with a fly which looks heavier than themself after spending ages trying to get to a high point for take off. Also watched them drag them down their ground nesting holes (they make single nests) to feed their next generation as it hatches and grows. If anyone asks what good is a wasp, they are a predator to many other insects, yet people panic and try to eliminate them!

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mgarr Hanover Twp., PA(Zone 6a) Nov 01, 2008

Yes, I've spent time watching the wasps do just that with spiders. In fact I have a picture and it took awhile to figure out who was pulling who since the spider was a lot larger than the wasp. I love nature.

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