The House Fly, Musca domestica is a well know pest which
originated in Asia, but now occurs on all inhabited continents. This insect is not only notorious for being a nuisance but also its ability to transport disease-causing organisms, causing public health problems. - Life Cycle-
The house fly experiences a complete metropolis, from an egg it hatches into a larva (maggot), transforms into a pupal (cacoon)then emerges an adult. Warm humid conditions are optimum for the development of the house fly, during this time the insect is capable its life cycle in as little as seven to ten days. However during winter months and cooler conditions the life cycle may require up to two months. - Larva -
Maggots emerge from the eggs within 8 to 20 hours of being laid in warm humid conditions, and immediately begins feeling on decomposing organic matter. Larvae complete their development within 4 to 13 days depending on the temperatures and climate. When the maggot is fully grown it will find a dry, cool place to transform to the pupal stage. - Adult -
Female adult House Flies are usually larger than the male. The female and can be distinguished from the male by the relatively wide space between the eyes (in males, the eyes almost touch). Adults usually live 15 to 25 days, but may live up to two months. Without food, they survive only about two to three days. Longevity is enhanced by availability of suitable food, especially sugar. They require food before they reproduce; the mating process can be completed in as little as 2 minutes or as long as 15 minutes. Female flies are usually ready to lay eggs 20 days after mating providing they have has access to protein rich foods. |
- Eggs -
Each female fly has the ability to lay up to 500 eggs over a period of three to four days. These eggs are white and about 1.2mm in length, laid singly but piled together in small groups. It is necessary for these eggs to remain moist or they will not hatch. - Pupa -
This stage occurs when the lava encases itself in a pupal case, which varies in colour from yellow, red, brown to black as the pupa ages. During optimal conditions the pupae complete their development in 2 to 6 days, but if the temperature is cold it could take up to 27 days. The emerging fly escapes from the pupal case through the use of an alternately swelling and shrinking sac, called the ptilinum, on the front of its head which it uses like a hammer to break through the case. |
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learning experience activity
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House Fly Home
observe the life cycle of the fly In your own vivarium
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Equipment:
- Clear bottle with cap (2 litres)
- Raw meat
- Honey
- Safety pin
Method:
1. Puncture multiple small holes into the top end of the bottle using the safety pin, to provide ventilation for the flies.
2. Add raw meat and honey into the bottle - allow to settle at the bottom of the bottle.
3. Place bottle into direct sunlight to speed up the decomposition process and attract flies.
4. Do not disturb the bottle for a few days or until a stratifying amount of eggs have been laid in the bottle.
5. Seal the bottle with the cap to ensure the flies cannot escape.
6. Place bottle into a warm humid place out of direct sunlight.
7. Observe the lifecycle of the house fly.
- Clear bottle with cap (2 litres)
- Raw meat
- Honey
- Safety pin
Method:
1. Puncture multiple small holes into the top end of the bottle using the safety pin, to provide ventilation for the flies.
2. Add raw meat and honey into the bottle - allow to settle at the bottom of the bottle.
3. Place bottle into direct sunlight to speed up the decomposition process and attract flies.
4. Do not disturb the bottle for a few days or until a stratifying amount of eggs have been laid in the bottle.
5. Seal the bottle with the cap to ensure the flies cannot escape.
6. Place bottle into a warm humid place out of direct sunlight.
7. Observe the lifecycle of the house fly.