Pollenia amentaria

The clusterfly Pollenia amentaria can be recognised because the black tergites lack obvious dusting. Fresh specimens of Pollenia amentaria with lots of golden hairs on the thorax are very striking. Males have a broad build and eyes that are only narrowly separated. A sharp and narrow facial keel is present between the antennae. This is also the only clusterfly with 5 to 6 pairs of strong scutellar marginal bristles (other species have 3 to 4 pairs). Females are also unusual in having an anterior preapical bristle on the mid femora.

It can occur in a wide range of habitats.

Spring to autumn.

The larvae are thought to attack earthworms like other Pollenia species.

P. amentaria is a widespread but localised species that become more frequent in the north and west.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.