Muscina prolapsa
This record describes Muscina prolapsa (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7 or 8 mm, bluish grey with black stripes on the thorax. Muscina flies have a reddish tip to the scutellum and the discal vein curves upwards so that the first posterior cell narrows towards the wing apex. M. levida can be distinguished from prolapsa by its wing venation - cell r5 is wider at the apex. Good views of the wing venation, scutellum and legs are needed. In well wooded or well vegetated areas where they sun themselves on the trunks of trees. They may sometimes be found near to rotting material where they deposit their eggs. Muscina flies commonly breed in manure and defecate on food, which has been linked to the spread of some disease and illnesses. The occurrence of Muscina larvae on dead bodies has led to their regular use in forensic investigations, as they may be used to estimate the time of death. Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In well wooded or well vegetated areas where they sun themselves on the trunks of trees. They may sometimes be found near to rotting material where they deposit their eggs.
Seasonal Activity
Spring to autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Muscina flies commonly breed in manure and defecate on food, which has been linked to the spread of some disease and illnesses. The occurrence of
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Muscina prolapsa. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Muscina prolapsa
What is Muscina prolapsa?
Muscina prolapsa is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Muscina prolapsa?
7 or 8 mm, bluish grey with black stripes on the thorax.
Where is Muscina prolapsa found?
Habitat: In well wooded or well vegetated areas where they sun themselves on the trunks of trees. They may sometimes be found near to rotting material where they deposit their eggs.
When is Muscina prolapsa active?
Muscina prolapsa: seasonal activity - Spring to autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Muscina prolapsa?
Muscina flies commonly breed in manure and defecate on food, which has been linked to the spread of some disease and illnesses. The occurrence of