Latrine Flies
The latrine fly got its common name from the filthy environments which it breeds in. Both appearance and breeding locations are similar to the lesser house fly but the latrine fly is darker in color.
- Fly Species
- latrine flies
- Family: Muscidae
- Genus: Fannia
- Species: F. scalaris
- Locations
- World-wide, usually in urban environments
- Size
- 1/4 - 1/3 inch (6mm - 8mm)
- Identify
- Smaller and more slender than a house fly and darker in color than lesser house flies.
- Black with a silvery gray coat.
- The thorax of the has three longitudinal stripes, not four like the house fly.
- Fourth longitudinal wing vein is straight, unlike the common house fly which has a sharp upward bend.
- The halteres are yellowish, which are knobbed structures from the hind wings that aid in flight stability.
- Life Cycle
- The entire life cycle can last from 15-30 days.
- Eggs hatch in approximately 8 hours, but can take up to 48 hours.
- The larvae pass thought 3 stages called "instars" in 5 days.
- Pupal stage takes 7-10 days.
- Breeding
- Breed in filth and garbage, but feces of humans and animals is preferred.
- Decaying vegetable matter, animal and human carcasses.
- Eggs are laid in such filth because the larvae prefer to feed on these high nitrogenous materials.
- Congregation
- Outdoors and Indoors in unsanitary conditions and other filth.
- Active mostly in the summer months.
- Health Importance
- Because it breeds in filth, latrine flies can transfer bacterial and viral pathogens and cause disease.
- Can cause of accidental myiasis in humans and animals. Especially small children or bedridden adults in unsanitary conditions.
- How to Kill / Control
- To get rid of latrine flies, garbage flies:
- Eliminate breeding grounds
- Sanitation
- Exclusion
- Use Fly Traps, Fly Zappers, and Fly Sprays to kill adult flies
- View our Fly Control page for extended information on these methods.
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