Bug Identifier
Common House Fly
Community identification

Common House Fly

Musca domestica

Order & Family
Order Diptera, Family Muscidae
Size
6 to 7 mm (0.24 to 0.28 inches) in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Widely distributed worldwide in close proximity to human activity and decaying organic matter.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on liquids and semi-liquids; they use saliva to liquefy solid food like sugar and decomposing waste.

Behavior Patterns

Diurnal scavengers that are most active during the day; they complete a rapid life cycle from egg to adult in approximately 7 to 10 days in warm conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Major risks include the transmission of pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli; benefits include roles in decomposition and nutrient recycling in ecosystems.