House-fly
Musca domestica
This record describes Musca domestica (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6 to 7 mm. With varying amounts of orange on the basal segments of the abdomen and four black stripes on the thorax. The legs are all black and the eyes are bare. As with other Musca species, the arista has feather-like long hairs. Similar to the very common Face Fly, Musca autumnalis . Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. A familiar fly of indoors and around garbage associated with buildings but rare away from habitation. Larvae can develop on a variety of decomposing organic substances including excrement, carrion and rotting vegetable matter, especially where bacterial fermentation is taking place. M. domestica is recorded throughout the British Isles but is not as common as in the past due to improved storage of garbage (the main breeding location). No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Musca domestica: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housefly.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A familiar fly of indoors and around garbage associated with buildings but rare away from habitation.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly from spring to autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae can develop on a variety of decomposing organic substances including excrement, carrion and rotting vegetable matter, especially where bacterial fermentation is taking place.
Additional species information
Recorded status
M. domestica
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Musca domestica. 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 House-fly (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About House-fly
What is House-fly?
House-fly (Musca domestica) is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is House-fly?
6 to 7 mm. With varying amounts of orange on the basal segments of the abdomen and four black stripes on the thorax. The legs are all black and the eyes are bare. As with other Musca species, the arista has feather-like long hairs.
Where is House-fly found?
Habitat: A familiar fly of indoors and around garbage associated with buildings but rare away from habitation.
When is House-fly active?
House-fly: seasonal activity - Adults fly from spring to autumn..
What is the life cycle of a House-fly?
Larvae can develop on a variety of decomposing organic substances including excrement, carrion and rotting vegetable matter, especially where bacterial fermentation is taking place.