Stable Fly

Natural Habitat

Typically found around livestock, stables, farms, and coastal beaches containing decaying organic matter or seaweed.

Diet & Feeding

Both males and females are blood-feeders, primarily attacking cattle, horses, and dogs, as well as humans. They use piercing mouthparts to obtain blood meals.

Behavior Patterns

Unlike house flies, they are aggressive biters. They are move active during the day and are often found outdoors in sunny areas. They breed in damp, decaying vegetation like hay, manure, or silage.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They deliver painful bites to humans and animals. They are significant pests to the livestock industry, causing stress and blood loss that can lead to reduced weight gain or milk production. They can also mechanically transmit various pathogens.

Identified on: 2/17/2026