Anthomyia procellaris

Rondani, 1866

Anthomyia procellaris is a small (5–7 mm) distributed across Europe, the East Palearctic (China, Japan), the Near East, and eastern North America. It is a member of the taxonomically challenging Anthomyia pluvialis . The is closely associated with bird nests, where larvae develop as saprophages on nest materials and droppings. frequent wooded and hedgerows, flying from spring through autumn.

Anthomyia procellaris by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jean-Paul Boerekamps. Used under a CC0 license.Anthomyia procellaris by (c) Lee Cain, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lee Cain. Used under a CC-BY license.Anthomyia procellaris by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jean-Paul Boerekamps. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthomyia procellaris: /ˌænθəˈmaɪə proʊˈsɛlərɪs/

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Identification

Difficult to distinguish from Anthomyia imbrida and Anthomyia pluvialis. Key diagnostic features: (1) the black marking at the wing base is undivided with a straight rear margin (versus divided or differently shaped in relatives); (2) in males, the anterodorsal hairs on the hind tibia number fewer than 9. Examination of male genitalia may be required for definitive identification.

Images

Appearance

Small fly reaching 5–7 mm in length. Body shows velvety black markings on a greyish ground color. bears three distinct black spots centrally. are bare (without hairs). is robust. is predominantly greyish.

Habitat

Wooded and hedgerows. are frequently observed sun-basking on vegetation.

Distribution

Europe (including Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden), East (China, Japan), Near East, and (Michigan south to North Carolina, USA).

Seasonality

active from spring through autumn.

Diet

feed on nectar, pollen, and excrement. Larvae are saprophagous, feeding on bird droppings and organic matter in bird nests.

Host Associations

  • birds - nest inhabitantLarvae develop in bird nests
  • Nothris verbascella - associatedDocumented co-occurrence in Cantabria, Spain; ecological relationship unclear

Life Cycle

Larvae develop within bird nests, feeding on nest materials and droppings. occurs in the nest environment. emerge from nests. Specific developmental timing and stage not documented.

Behavior

exhibit sun-basking on vegetation. Strongly associated with bird nest throughout .

Ecological Role

Saprophage in bird nest ; contributes to decomposition of organic matter in avian nesting environments.

Similar Taxa

  • Anthomyia imbridaVery similar appearance; distinguished by wing base marking shape and male hind tibia hair count
  • Anthomyia pluvialisMember of same ; requires examination of wing base pattern and male genitalia for separation

Sources and further reading