Fly Puparium (Pupal stage)

Scientific Name: Order Diptera (Family often Muscidae or Calliphoridae)

Order & Family: Order Diptera, Family varies (often House flies or Blow flies)

Size: 3 to 10 mm in length

Fly Puparium (Pupal stage)

Natural Habitat

Found indoors or outdoors near decomposition, organic waste, trash bins, or soiled pet bedding.

Diet & Feeding

In this pupal stage, it does not eat; as a larva (maggot), it consumes decaying organic matter, feces, or rotting food.

Behavior Patterns

This is the non-mobile transformation stage between a larva and an adult fly. The outer larval skin hardens and turns brown/reddish to protect the developing fly inside.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless as a pupa, but indicates a nearby breeding site. High populations can be a nuisance and potentially spread bacteria or pathogens to food surfaces once the adult fly emerges.

Identified on: 4/16/2026