Polietes lardarius

Length about 10 mm. This is a large muscid, superficially looking like a sarcophagid flesh-fly. It has a blue-grey chequered abdomen and jagged stripes on the thorax. The scutellum also usually has stripes or blotches. It has silvery dusting on the face and a silver/grey anterior spiracle.

Polietes meriodionalis is very similar (and was once thought to be the same species) but can be distinguished by the yellow anterior spiracle and yellow/gold dusting on the face.

Particularly common around cattle grazing areas. It likes to perch on walls, fences and foliage in the sun.

From summer to late autumn.

Breeds in dung. Adults are also attracted to Stinkhorn fungi.

Common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland