Muscidae – House Flies and Relatives

Muscidae are one of the best-known families of flies (Diptera). They include medium-sized flies, often gray, with transparent wings and fast flight. The house fly (*Musca domestica*) is their most emblematic representative. Highly adaptable, they thrive near human dwellings, farms, stables, or areas rich in organic matter. Adults feed on sugar- or protein-rich liquids, while larvae develop in feces, decaying vegetable matter, or decomposing animal remains. Though often considered pests, some species play a useful role in organic matter decomposition.