Face Fly
Musca autumnalis
This record describes Musca autumnalis (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Averaging about 7 - 8 mm long with 4 dark stripes on the thorax. The male has an orange and black patterned abdomen whereas in the female this is a grey pattern. This species gets its common name from its habit of landing on the faces of cattle where they feed on tears, sweat and blood (from the bites of other flies). However the adults also feed on nectar and can also be found on flowers, or just sunning on posts and fences. March to October peaking in April and May. They breed in cattle dung where the larvae feed. Widespread and common in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Musca autumnalis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musca_autumnalis.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species gets its common name from its habit of landing on the faces of cattle where they feed on tears, sweat and blood (from the bites of other flies). However the adults also feed on nectar and can also be found on flowers, or just sunning on posts and fences.
Seasonal Activity
March to October peaking in April and May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
They breed in cattle dung where the larvae feed.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Musca autumnalis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Face Fly (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Face Fly
What is Face Fly?
Face Fly (Musca autumnalis) is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Face Fly found?
Habitat: This species gets its common name from its habit of landing on the faces of cattle where they feed on tears, sweat and blood (from the bites of other flies). However the adults also feed on nectar and can also be found on flowers, or just sunning on posts and fences.
When is Face Fly active?
Face Fly: seasonal activity - March to October peaking in April and May..
What is the life cycle of a Face Fly?
They breed in cattle dung where the larvae feed.