Description

Adults are 6-8 mm long. Wing span 13-15 mm. The thorax is grey with four longitudinal dark stripes. The sides of the abdomen are yellowish and may be transparent. A central dark band broadens at the back to cover the final abdominal segments.

Habitat

Houseflies are commonly found where people work or live because of the warmer environment and ready supply of food.Bluebottles (sometimes called blow flies) are also often found in human environments, and are particularly attracted by meat and decaying materials.

Threats

Houseflies can transmit intestinal worms, and are also known to be carriers of particular diseases. Bluebottles too, are known to spread diseases. Because of the way flies feed and where they are likely to have come from before settling on the food, they present a danger of food contamination.