Fly ID help please

[Kittiwake]

As referenced in my ladybird influx post, there were masses of these flies with all the ladybirds today. I know next to nothing about flies, so maybe someone here can help with identification and explain why they were hanging out with the ladybirds in such numbers today?



Thanks!

[ChrisR]

It's a calliphorid (the family that includes blowflies & cluster flies etc) and it's the easiest genus to identify because the thorax is covered in short, curly, golden hair - Pollenia. Sadly it's not usually possible to take them to species.

I think the insects you see on sunny days at this time of the year are usually just gathering and keeping warm, prior to finding overwintering roosts.

[Kittiwake]

Thanks Chris!