House Fly
Musca domestica
Classification
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Musca domestica: /ˈmʌskə dəˈmɛstɪkə/
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Images
Summary
The house fly (Musca domestica) is the most common fly species found in homes, known for its role as a pest and pathogen carrier. It has a short life cycle and can thrive in a variety of decaying organic materials, making it a significant ecological player. It has cultural significance in literature and art, and it possesses a unique physiology adapted for its feeding habits.
Physical Characteristics
Adult body 6-7 mm; females usually larger than males; larva 3-12 mm; pupa to 8 mm. Adults are gray to black with four dark longitudinal lines on the thorax, red eyes, and short hairy bodies. The mouthparts are adapted for a liquid diet, with a retractable proboscis.
Identification Tips
Look for the grayish-black body with four dark stripes on the thorax. Males have compound eyes that nearly touch, while females have more widely spaced eyes. Adult flies are about 6 to 7 mm long, and females are usually larger.
Habitat
Usually found around homes, poultry and dairy farms, stables, garbage dumps, and other sources of decaying organic matter.
Distribution
Found worldwide, present in both Arctic and tropical regions; abundant in all populated areas of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia, and the Americas.
Diet
Adults feed on liquid or semi-liquid substances, as well as solid materials softened by saliva. Larvae feed on moist organic matter, primarily manure and decaying plant or animal tissue.
Life Cycle
Life cycle can be completed in 7-10 days under optimal conditions; 12 generations may occur in one summer. Overwinters as larva or pupa in protected locations.
Reproduction
Females lay up to 500 eggs in several batches on decaying organic matter. Eggs hatch within 8-20 hours, and larvae undergo 3 instars before pupation.
Predators
Houseflies are preyed upon by birds, reptiles, amphibians, various insects, and spiders. They also have stage-specific parasites and parasitoids.
Ecosystem Role
Play an important role in breaking down and recycling organic matter; serve as a food source for various predators.
Economic Impact
Houseflies are significant pests due to their ability to contaminate food and spread diseases; they can impact livestock and human health.
Cultural Significance
Referenced in literature and art as symbols of decay, mortality, and transformation.
Health Concerns
Carry >100 pathogens that can cause diseases in humans and animals; they can contaminate food through their saliva, feces, and body parts.
Collecting Methods
- Sticky traps
- Netting
- Vacuum sampling
Preservation Methods
- Freezing
- Alcohol preservation
- Drying
Evolution
Believed to have evolved in the beginning of the Cenozoic Era with origins in the southern Palearctic region, particularly the Middle East.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Houseflies do not serve as secondary hosts for pathogens; they merely act as mechanical vectors.
Tags
- pest
- disease vector
- ecological role
- cultural significance
- scientific studies