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Different House Flies

Several house fly species infest American homes. Infestations begin when flies locate decaying material within which to lay their eggs. Because houseflies lay large batches of eggs and have a rapid reproduction cycle, a few errant flies can quickly become a problem. 

The common housefly, or Musca domestica, is a gray-black fly measuring between five and eight millimeters in length. These flies have two wings, a highly developed mouth organ and very large, faceted eyes. The average life span of the common housefly is approximately one month.

The lesser housefly, or Fannia canicularis, is small and thin, with slender legs. The stable fly, or Stomoxys calcitrans, is also slightly smaller than the common house fly and has piercing mouth parts, which it uses to bite animals and humans. For this reason, stable flies are also referred to as dog flies.

House Fly Facts

House Fly Eyes

Sounds of a House Fly

House Fly Problem

House Fly and Disease

Dichotomous Key for a House Fly

Lesser House Fly

Red House Fly

Blue House Fly