Fly (likely a Common House Fly or similar species)
Scientific Name: Musca domestica (for Common House Fly, but identification to species without clearer images is difficult)
Order & Family: Order: Diptera (True Flies), Family: Muscidae (House Flies and relatives), though other families like Calliphoridae (Blow Flies) or Sarcophagidae (Flesh Flies) are also possible given the image's resolution.
Size: Typically 4 to 8 mm (0.16 to 0.31 inches) for common house flies, but varies by species.
Natural Habitat
Widely distributed globally, flies are found in nearly every terrestrial habitat, especially where organic matter is present. This includes urban areas, rural farms, forests, grasslands, and even some aquatic environments for larval stages.
Diet & Feeding
Flies have diverse diets depending on the species. Many are scavengers and feed on decaying organic matter, animal waste, rotting fruits, vegetables, and other moist food sources. Some are predatory or parasitic.
Behavior Patterns
Flies are highly mobile and commonly seen flying around, landing on surfaces, and searching for food sources. They undergo complete metamorphosis with egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult stages. Many species are attracted to light and decaying organic matter.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can transmit pathogens and diseases (e.g., bacteria, viruses) from contaminated sources to food and surfaces, posing health risks. Can be a nuisance in homes and businesses. Benefits: Some fly species are important decomposers, aid in pollination, and are a food source for other animals. Maggots of some species are used in forensic entomology and medical therapy (maggot debridement therapy).
Identified on: 8/29/2025