Fly (order Diptera), common name for members of an order of two-winged insects, but the insect classification of them deems that there are nearly 120,000 different species and since the story never specifies which species the fly is we will be focusing on the housefly and how they interact with humans.
Also known as Musca domestica the average length of an adult housefly is between 5-8 millimeters long. Females tend to be larger than males and have a distinct space between their red compound eyes.
Also known as Musca domestica the average length of an adult housefly is between 5-8 millimeters long. Females tend to be larger than males and have a distinct space between their red compound eyes.
Life Cycle
Like most insect houseflies lay a tremendous amount of eggs approximating around 9,000 within their lifetime. They tend to be in batches of 75 to 150. Within about one day the larvae hatch and feed on decaying organic material. They feed in this stage for about 14 to 36 hours and enter into the instar phase of their lives. In this stage they crawl to a cool, dry place and enter into the pupae phase. The pupae is known as the complete metamorphosis stage which lasts around two days. Upon entering the adult stage the housefly lives for about two weeks.
It is believed that the housefly evolved at the start of the Cenozoic era approximately 65 million years ago from somewhere around the Middle East. This would mean that the fly's close habitation with humanity may have caused it to disperse and migrate with humans.
It is believed that the housefly evolved at the start of the Cenozoic era approximately 65 million years ago from somewhere around the Middle East. This would mean that the fly's close habitation with humanity may have caused it to disperse and migrate with humans.
Life with Humans
Houseflies have the capability to carry over 100 different pathogens. Including those that cause tuberculous, anthrax, cholera, typhoid, salmonellosis, and ophthalma. The constant deposit of feces is what makes flies so dangerous when it comes to carrying pathogens. However the way in which flies consume matter can have beneficial impact such as waste management. The fly larvae can be controlled to eliminate decomposing material that is otherwise taking up space while reducing the impact that other forms of disposal may have on the environment.
Flies can also be used to clean wounds. Maggot debridement therapy involves applying disinfected maggots into open wounds so the can feed off of the dead tissue allowing for the wound to heal cleanly and reduce the chance of infection. While the method may still be questionable it is common practice for the maggots to be in wound dressing so the may not leave the area and are only administered for up to two days where the are removed before their next life cycle.
Flies can also be used to clean wounds. Maggot debridement therapy involves applying disinfected maggots into open wounds so the can feed off of the dead tissue allowing for the wound to heal cleanly and reduce the chance of infection. While the method may still be questionable it is common practice for the maggots to be in wound dressing so the may not leave the area and are only administered for up to two days where the are removed before their next life cycle.