Stable Fly
Stomoxys calcitrans
This record describes Stomoxys calcitrans (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
6-8mm with an overall brown appearance and a pale short creamy central stripe on the thorax behind the head. It has a characteristic proboscis which protrudes forward from its head. As the name suggests, this fly is found near to horses and other agricultural animals. Adults are active during the day when they search out a host which they will bite in order to feed on the blood. It reproduces in rotting straw and other decaying vegetation. Widespread and common in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Stomoxys calcitrans: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stable_fly.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
As the name suggests, this fly is found near to horses and other agricultural animals.
Seasonal Activity
Most of the year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults are active during the day when they search out a host which they will bite in order to feed on the blood. It reproduces in rotting straw and other decaying vegetation.
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 Stomoxys calcitrans. 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 Stable Fly (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stable Fly
What is Stable Fly?
Stable Fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Stable Fly found?
Habitat: As the name suggests, this fly is found near to horses and other agricultural animals.
When is Stable Fly active?
Stable Fly: seasonal activity - Most of the year..
What is the life cycle of a Stable Fly?
Adults are active during the day when they search out a host which they will bite in order to feed on the blood. It reproduces in rotting straw and other decaying vegetation.