Mesembrina meridiana, Noon Fly, Noonday Fly

Common Name: Noon Fly, Noonday Fly

Mesembrina meridiana, more commonly known as the Noon Fly or Mid-day Fly, is a member of the Muscidae family of flies. It is widespread and common between late April and late October, particularly in cattle-rearing areas.

It is a large black fly with orange colouration on the base of its wings, on the feet and the face. Adults are most often seen on cow dung, sunbathing on trees, fences and walls in bright sunlight, or visiting flowers to feed upon nectar.

Eggs are laid in cow dung, the larvae are carnivorous, and feed on other fly larvae within the dung. The female lays up to five eggs in a lifetime, each one in a different pat, at two day intervals.

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