Bug Identifier
House Fly
Community identification

House Fly

Musca domestica

Order & Family
Order: Diptera; Family: Muscidae
Size
Adults are typically 6-7 mm (0.24-0.28 inches) in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found near human activity, dwellings, farms, and areas with decaying organic matter.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that consume a wide variety of liquid or semi-liquid substances, including decaying matter, human food, and excrement.

Behavior Patterns

Diurnal insects that are active during the day. They have a rapid life cycle and frequently rest on surfaces like walls, floors, and ceilings between short flights.

Risks & Benefits

Major risk as a vector for over 100 diseases including typhoid, cholera, and dysentery. They benefit ecosystems by aiding in the decomposition of organic waste.