Across much of the Palaearctic, from Europe through temperate Asia, with distribution varying by subspecies and habitat.
Fine-art photographic collection
Anthomyia procellaris
A storm-patterned fly whose larvae thrive in some of nature's least inviting nurseries.
About this species
Anthomyia procellarisRondani, 1866
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Anthomyia procellaris is a striking black-and-white anthomyiid fly found across the Palaearctic. Its larvae are opportunistic decomposers recorded from animal remains, bird nests, caterpillar tents and fungi.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Diptera · Anthomyiidae · Anthomyia
Accepted species or infraspecific taxon in the current GBIF/Catalogue of Life treatment; unsupported details have been omitted rather than inferred. · checked 2026-07-15
Palaearctic regionBroad documented range and selected occurrence localities — not a complete occurrence map.
Vegetated habitats within the documented range.
Adults are seasonal and mainly diurnal.
Adult flies use liquid food; larval diet varies strongly within Anthomyiidae and is not assigned here without evidence.
Solitary.
What makes this species remarkable?
Larvae have been found developing in carcasses, bird nests, tent-caterpillar shelters and birch polypore fungi — an extraordinary range of decaying microhabitats.
The adult's high-contrast thoracic pattern resembles branching storm clouds, explaining why members of the group are often called storm flies.
Adults switch from the larval world of decay to feeding on nectar, pollen and surface fluids, completing an exceptionally sharp dietary transformation.