
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.
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.