House fly
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Description
A household pest of the Muscidae family (Musca domestica) commonly found in North America. House flies have two semi-transparent wings, a black body with tiny tail bristles and a short fleshy proboscis. They feed on decayed matter, plant and animal juices, and are attracted to prepared foods. House flies are a nuisance and transmit diseases (typhoid, dysentery, cholera) and leave black droppings (Fly speck). See also Flypaper.
Synonyms and Related Terms
housefly; Musca domestica
Additional Information
University of Florida, Department of Entomology and Nematology: House fly
Sources Checked for Data in Record
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: Fly. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved June 17, 2003, from Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service.
- D.J. Borror, R.E. White, A Field Guide to Insects, Peterson Field Guides, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 1970