Cluster flies overwinter as adults and are usually the first insects that I see in the yard each spring, on the compost bin or nectaring on early spring flowers (such as common chickweed in the photo below). After mating, they lay their eggs on the soil and the developing larvae are parasitoids of earthworms. Their entire life cycle is about a month and there are several generations per year.
196 species are native to the Old World, six of which have been established in North America. They are often found clustering on walls and windows inside houses in the winter.
Cluster flies overwinter as adults and are usually the first insects that I see in the yard each spring, on the compost bin or nectaring on early spring flowers (such as common chickweed in the photo below). After mating, they lay their eggs on the soil and the developing larvae are parasitoids of earthworms. Their entire life cycle is about a month and there are several generations per year.
196 species are native to the Old World, six of which have been established in North America. They are often found clustering on walls and windows inside houses in the winter.
