Anthomyia pluvialis

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Anthomyia pluvialis is a common and widely distributed fly in the Anthomyiidae, found across the Old World. It is easily recognizable by characteristic black spots on the and . The is known to inhabit bird nests, where it completes its . It belongs to a in Europe that includes five recognized species, requiring careful identification based on male genitalia.

Anthomyia pluvialis by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.Anthomyia pluvialis by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bill Keim. Used under a CC-BY license.Anthomyia pluvialis by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthomyia pluvialis: //ænˈθoʊmiə pluːˈveɪliəs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Easily recognizable by characteristic black spots on the and . For precise identification within the A. pluvialis complex in Europe, examination of male genitalia is required to distinguish from closely related including A. bazini, A. imbrida, A. procellaris, and A. quinquemuculata.

Images

Habitat

Bird nests

Distribution

Widely distributed in the Old World, including Europe. Specific records from São Miguel (Azores), Denmark, Norway, and Madeira Island (Portugal).

Host Associations

  • birds - inhabits nestsCompletes in bird nests

Life Cycle

completed within bird nests

Similar Taxa

  • Anthomyia procellarisAlso inhabits bird nests and was studied alongside A. pluvialis; requires genital examination for separation
  • Anthomyia baziniMember of the same European ; distinguished by male genitalia
  • Anthomyia imbridaMember of the same European ; distinguished by male genitalia
  • Anthomyia quinquemuculataMember of the same European ; distinguished by male genitalia

Sources and further reading