# Muscoid Flies (*Muscoidea*) Muscoid flies are small, buzzing insects that are often found near food and waste. They are important for breaking down decaying matter and help keep our environment clean. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Muscoid Flies](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Anthomyia_pluvialis01.jpg&width=800) Photo: Attribution · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anthomyia_pluvialis01.jpg) ## Appearance The Muscoid Flies are typically robust-bodied insects, often displaying grey, black, or metallic green/blue colors. They have large, prominent compound eyes and clear, membranous wings. Many have distinct stripes on their thorax, visually differentiating them from other fly families. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Bombyliidae - **Genus:** Musca ## Interesting facts - Muscoid flies have thousands of eye lenses for incredible all-around vision! - Some can grow from egg to adult in less than two weeks! - Their wings beat hundreds of times a second, creating their famous buzzing sound! - They use tiny taste receptors on their feet to "taste" where they land! ## Special abilities - **Lightning Reflexes:** Muscoid Flies has lightning-fast reflexes that helps them dodge predators and sudden movements with incredible speed. - **Sticky Paws:** Muscoid Flies can walk upside down on smooth surfaces because of tiny, hair-like pads on their feet. - **Super Smellers:** Muscoid Flies can detect food and mates from far away because of highly sensitive antennae. - **Rapid Reproduction:** Muscoid Flies can lay many eggs that quickly hatch, allowing them to multiply very fast. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 8-30 mm - **Size:** 4-15 mm - **Lifespan:** 15-45 days - **Flight Speed:** 7 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These diverse flies sip on sweet liquids, decaying matter, and some even feed on blood! - **Age differences:** Larvae (maggots) often consume decaying organic matter, while adults typically feed on liquids. - **Primary Foods:** Nectar, Rotting Fruit, Decaying Meat, Excrement, Sugary Liquids, Blood - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Leopard Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/leopard-frog) (*Rana pipiens*) — Frogs commonly feed on muscoid flies. - **Eaten by:** [House Sparrow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-sparrow) (*Passer domesticus*) — Many small birds actively prey on flies. - **Parasitizes:** [Cattle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cattle) (*Bos taurus*) — Certain muscoid flies bite cattle for blood. - **Eaten by:** Fly Fungus (*Entomophthora muscae*) — A specialized fungus infects and kills adult flies. ## Traits - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Scavenger](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/scavenger): Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem. - [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Don't touch flies, as they can carry germs. Just watch them from a distance! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Muscoid Flies? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Muscoid Flies's wingspan? 8-30 mm ### How big is Muscoid Flies? 4-15 mm ### How long does Muscoid Flies live? 15-45 days ### How fast can Muscoid Flies fly? 7 km/h ### What does Muscoid Flies eat? These diverse flies sip on sweet liquids, decaying matter, and some even feed on blood! ### Where is Muscoid Flies usually found? Urban areas ### How does Muscoid Flies hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Yantacaw Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/yantacaw-park) — New Jersey, US · Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Muscoid Flies: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/muscoid-flies)