Virtual Exhibit on Canada's Biodiversity





back to order Diptera		 insect database

Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: saprophagous
Immatures: saprophagous

Size: 2 to 14 mm
Flight : strong flier

North American
Species: 700

Diptera Muscidae
Muscid flies

Front Wings: membranous
Hind Wings: reduced to halteres
Mouthparts: sponging
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: straight
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified

Special Characteristics: Muscidae are small to medium sized flies. They are slender to robust, and usually very hairy. The calypter at the base of each wing is well developed.

Comments: Most adults feed on decaying matter and they can be important vectors of diseases. The larvae are also found in decaying matter and dung. The house fly (Musca domestica) breeds in garbage and other decaying material and is a vector of several diseases such as typhoid fever and dysentery. Some species of muscids are predaceous on other insects.

Species:
Musca autumnalis De Geer

Common Name:
Face fly

Feeding Habits: Larvae feed in decaying materials.

Distribution:
Eastern Canada.

Comments:
Adult face flies cluster around the of cattle and can be a major pest.