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House Fly

Musca domestica

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of House Fly (Musca domestica)

The House Fly is the world's most familiar fly, a cosmopolitan synanthropic species that has lived alongside humans for thousands of years. Its mouthparts are sponge-like, dissolving food with saliva before lapping it up, making it a significant disease vector as it moves between refuse and food sources. It can complete a generation in as little as two weeks in warm conditions.

Habitat
Human habitations, farms, garbage areas, and animal facilities
Diet
Larvae: decaying organic matter. Adults: liquid organic material
How common
Common

Best time to see a House Fly

The best time to see a House Fly is June–October, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,706 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent House Fly sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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