YCIS Biodiversity Portal

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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;mso-bidi-font-family:
Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The housefly
(Musca domestica) is a common insect found worldwide, typically measuring 6-7
mm in length. It has a grayish body with four distinct dark stripes on its
thorax and large reddish-brown compound eyes, which are adept at detecting
movement. Houseflies possess transparent wings that allow for agile flight, and
their mouthparts are sponging, enabling them to feed on liquids by
regurgitating digestive enzymes onto solid food to liquefy it.<o:p></o:p><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;mso-bidi-font-family:
Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">These flies
are strongly attracted to decaying organic matter, food waste, and animal
feces, making them prevalent in human habitats. Female houseflies can lay up to
500 eggs in moist environments, and the larvae (maggots) develop rapidly, often
within a week.<o:p></o:p>

<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;mso-bidi-font-family:
Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Houseflies
play a crucial ecological role as decomposers, helping to break down organic
materials and recycle nutrients. However, they are also considered significant pests,
capable of transmitting various diseases, including food poisoning and
gastroenteritis, due to their propensity to carry pathogens on their bodies and
in their feces. With an average lifespan of 15 to 30 days, houseflies can
reproduce quickly, contributing to their status as a common nuisance in urban
and rural settings alike.<o:p></o:p>

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