Housefly
ExploreInsects
Housefly
Musca domestica
The Housefly is a common insect that buzzes around homes and gardens. They are usually grey and have big eyes!
Habitat: Homes, farms, and gardens
Appearance
The Housefly has a grey body with four dark stripes on its thorax, and large, reddish-brown compound eyes. Its abdomen is often mottled, and it possesses clear wings. This common fly is distinguished by these prominent thoracic stripes.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyMuscidaeGenusMusca
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult houseflies only live for about 15 to 30 days, a very short lifespan!
Houseflies 'vomit' on food to digest it outside their body!
Houseflies can lay hundreds of eggs at once in decaying food or waste!
Their wings beat over 200 times per second, making that buzzing sound!
Special abilities
Ability
Gravity-Defying Grip
Housefly can walk upside down because of tiny claws and sticky pads on its feet, helping them cling to surfaces.
Ability
Super Sight
Housefly has huge compound eyes that help them detect movement quickly, allowing them to dodge swatting hands.
Ability
Aerial Acrobatics
Housefly can perform incredible mid-air turns because of specialized wing muscles and tiny balancing halteres.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 13-15 mm
- Size
- 6-7 mm
- Lifespan
- 15-30 days
- Flight Speed
- 8 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
They love to slurp up sugary liquids and decaying stuff!
Primary Foods
- decaying organic matter
- sugary liquids
- feces
- rotting fruit
- spilled food
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
Common Green Darner
Anax junius
Dragonflies are expert aerial predators of many flying insects.
parasitizes
Parasitic wasp
Spalangia cameroni
Tiny wasps lay their eggs inside housefly pupae.
eaten by
Wall spider
Oecobius annulipes
Many spiders build webs to catch houseflies.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Web Builder
This trait characterizes organisms that construct elaborate silken webs for catching prey, shelter, or reproduction.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Common FlyFly
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Housefly's wingspan?
13-15 mm
How big is Housefly?
6-7 mm
How long does Housefly live?
15-30 days
How fast can Housefly fly?
8 km/h
What does Housefly eat?
They love to slurp up sugary liquids and decaying stuff!
Where is Housefly usually found?
Homes, farms, and gardens
How does Housefly hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Housefly have?
6
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