Animal Profiles
Insects

Housefly

Musca domestica

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The housefly is a widespread insect closely associated with people. Its sponging mouthparts take up liquids, while maggots develop in moist organic material.

Musca domestica, the representative described in this account.

Musca domestica, the representative described in this account.

USDAgov · CC BY

At a glance

Location
Houseflies inhabit farms, settlements and many other human environments.
Habitat
Towns and cities
Diet
Detritivore
Food
Food must be liquid or dissolved before the adult can sponge it up.

Classification

Common name
Housefly
Browse group
Insects
Scientific name or taxon
Musca domestica
Taxon rank
species
Order
Diptera
Family
Muscidae
Genus
Musca
Source classification
Insecta

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Adults have sponging mouthparts.
  • Larvae are called maggots.
  • Moist organic material supports development.

Habitat and range

Houseflies inhabit farms, settlements and many other human environments. Dung, refuse and decomposing material provide food and sites in which larvae develop.

Appearance and adaptations

Adults have a grey body, large compound eyes and one pair of wings. Four dark stripes mark the thorax. The legless larvae look very different from the winged adult.

Diet and behaviour

Food must be liquid or dissolved before the adult can sponge it up. Larvae use moist decaying material. Adults are mainly active during the day and use odours to locate food.

Sources

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