Insect identifier · Often confused insects
How to identify a Cluster fly
Pollenia spp.
· Also called attic fly
People search “cluster fly” because it looks like something that bites. Cluster fly (Pollenia spp.) does not bite or sting people. Also called attic fly.
Flies on the January window are cluster flies, not biters.
What does a cluster fly look like?
Cluster fly is House-fly size. Colors: gray, black, gold. Marks: Slow; Golden hairs; Attic and windows; No biting beak.
Cluster fly is House-fly size. Colors: gray, black, gold. Marks: Slow; Golden hairs; Attic and windows; No biting beak.
Identification marks
- Slow
- Golden hairs
- Attic and windows
- No biting beak
Size: House-fly size
Colors: gray, black, gold
Where: indoor
Cluster fly vs House fly
Slow flies on a winter window = cluster flies. Ankle bites on the patio = stable flies.
- House fly identification (Musca domestica)
- Stable fly identification (Stomoxys calcitrans)
Range and season
Active fall entry; winter on windows. Places: house, attic. They winter in attics and appear on warm winter days. They do not bite. Golden hairs on the thorax.
Attics and upper windows.
They winter in attics and appear on warm winter days. They do not bite. Golden hairs on the thorax.
Fall entry; winter on windows
Common questions
Do cluster flies bite?
No. A fly that bites ankles is a stable fly.