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Face fly

Face fly

Musca autumnalis

A species of Musca, Also known as Autumn house-fly, Autumn fly

The face fly is very similar to the housefly, but it is a bit larger. It feeds on manure juices, plant sugar, the secretions released around the eyes, nose, and mouth of cattle and horses, and the blood of animals at wound sites. It is considered a major pest insect since it transmits a parasite to horses' eyes and transmits pinkeye to cattle.

Cause Disease in Humans
Pathogenic
Does Face fly consume human blood?
Hematophagy
General Info About Face fly
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Attributes of Face fly
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Face fly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Face fly feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Species Status of Face fly
It is widespread throughout most of Europe, Central Asia, North India, Pakistan, China and some parts of North Africa. It was introduced into North America and has now occupies a territory from southern Canada into most temperate parts of the United States. It was also introduced to St. Helena Island in the South Atlantic.
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Distribution Area of Face fly
Europe, central Asia, Africa
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Appearance of Face fly
Slightly larger, averaging about 7 - 8 mm long and grey in colour with four dark stripes on the thorax, with a grey-black patterned abdomen.
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How to Identify Face fly?

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Life Cycle of Face fly
Egg The eggs of face fly are typically laid in decaying organic matter. They are small, oval, and exhibit a white to creamy color. Development within the egg stage is focused solely on growth as the embryo transforms within the protective casing.
Larva Upon hatching, the larvae of face fly appear worm-like, lacking true legs and eyes. The larval stage is primarily concerned with feeding and growth. They exhibit a whitish, translucent color which may darken with age, and increase significantly in size.
Pupal Following the larval stage, face fly enters the pupal stage, developing inside a hardened case known as a puparium. During this stage, face fly transforms dramatically, developing wings, legs, and adult body form. The coloration transitions from initial pale shades to darker tones as maturity approaches.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult face fly’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction. External changes include the development of characteristic color patterns.
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Adult Size of Face fly
7 - 8 mm
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Predators of Face fly Larvae
Frogs and toads, ground beetles, predatory wasps, birds, spiders
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Scientific Classification of Face fly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Genus
Musca
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Tips for Finding Face fly
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Youth Habitat of Face fly
Rotting and Decaying Matter, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Face fly
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
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How Can You Attract Face fly
As adults, face fly are attracted to various organic materials, especially those in decomposition, including animal dung or decaying vegetable matter.
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Habitat Preferences of Face fly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of face fly are often found in manure, especially horse and cow dung, where conditions are moist and rich in nutrients, providing an ideal environment for larvae to develop. As larvae, face fly thrives in these dung piles, consuming the decomposing organic matter before transitioning to pupae. To find the larvae, one must search through these manure heaps, carefully sifting to uncover their presence. The pupal stage occurs within the soil beneath or nearby the manure, requiring digging into the earth to locate the transformation stage. Adult face fly primarily inhabit areas surrounding livestock, such as stables and pastures, where they have easy access to both food and oviposition sites. Locating adults involves searching these areas, with a particular focus on spots where animals congregate and residues accumulate.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Face fly
The best time to find adult face fly is during the day when temperatures are between 15-30°C, as this is when they are most active. Larvae are less affected by temperature and can be searched for at any time of day.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Face fly
Adult face fly prefer sunny and warm conditions, with little wind. High humidity can also be suitable for larvae and pupae stages as it aids in their development.
Are Face fly harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Face fly
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Pathogenic
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Hematophagy
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Cause Disease in Humans

Face fly, a fly species, can transmit pathogens to humans via contact with livestock or feces. Risks include bacterial diseases like E. coli, potentially causing diarrhea, fever, or urinary infections. Long-term effects vary with disease severity, including dehydration or kidney failure in vulnerable individuals.

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Does Face fly consume human blood?

Face fly's feeding behavior occasionally involves ingesting blood indirectly when consuming oozing wounds or flesh of hosts. They're attracted to bodily fluids, which may include blood, impacting the host's health by potentially transmitting diseases. Face fly affects a variety of hosts, such as livestock, pets, and sometimes humans.

More Effects of Face fly

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