Flies In North Texas

Blow Fly


Blow flies, scientifically known as Calliphoridae, are a family of flies that are important scavengers and decomposers in the natural environment. They are often associated with the process of decomposition and play a significant role in forensic entomology, where their life stages are used to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) in forensic investigations. Here is some information about blow flies:


  • Appearance:
  • Blow flies vary in size and color, but many species have metallic, iridescent colors, such as green, blue, or copper.
  • Adults typically have a robust and somewhat hairy body, and their wings are often transparent or have distinct markings.
  • Blow fly larvae, also known as maggots, are legless and cylindrical, with a tapered head.
  • Habitat:
  • Blow flies are found in various habitats, including urban areas, forests, and agricultural landscapes.
  • They are attracted to decaying organic matter, including carrion, feces, and other decomposing substances.
  • Diet:
  • Adult blow flies feed on nectar, pollen, and other sugary substances.
  • The larvae are scavengers and primarily feed on decaying organic material, aiding in the process of decomposition.


Cluster Fly


  • Appearance:
  • Adult cluster flies are slightly larger than houseflies, measuring around 8 to 10 millimeters in length.
  • They have a dark-gray to black color and are covered with golden-yellow hairs that give them a slightly mottled appearance.
  • When at rest, their wings overlap in a way that forms a noticeable dark stripe.
  • Habitat:
  • Cluster flies are commonly found in North America, Europe, and other temperate regions.
  • They are often associated with rural areas, but they can also be found in suburban and urban environments.
  • During the warmer months, cluster flies are typically outdoors and feed on flower nectar.
  • Behavior:
  • Cluster flies get their name from their habit of gathering in large numbers, or clusters, especially in the fall and winter.
  • As the weather cools, cluster flies seek shelter in buildings to overwinter, often choosing attics, wall voids, or other protected spaces.
  • They are sluggish in colder temperatures, and their presence indoors is more noticeable on warm, sunny days.


Crane Fly


  • Appearance:
  • Crane flies are known for their long, slender bodies and long legs, resembling oversized mosquitoes.
  • They have a single pair of wings and, depending on the species, may have wingspans ranging from 1 to 6 inches.
  • Unlike mosquitoes, crane flies do not have a proboscis for biting.
  • Habitat:
  • Crane flies are found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, meadows, forests, and wetlands.
  • The larvae of crane flies are aquatic or semi-aquatic and are often found in moist soil, standing water, or in decaying vegetation.
  • Diet:
  • Adult crane flies do not feed. They primarily focus on reproduction, and their adult lifespan is relatively short.
  • The larvae, often called "leatherjackets," feed on organic matter, roots, and decaying vegetation.


Drain Fly


  • Appearance:
  • Adult drain flies are small, measuring about 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length.
  • They have a fuzzy or moth-like appearance, with a pair of large wings covered in scales.
  • Drain flies are usually light gray or tan, and their bodies and wings may have a mottled or speckled pattern.
  • Habitat:
  • Drain flies are commonly found in areas with standing water and organic matter, such as drains, sink traps, sewage systems, and sewage treatment plants.
  • They thrive in damp and dark environments, making bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas with moisture conducive to infestations.
  • Diet:
  • Drain fly larvae primarily feed on organic matter, fungi, and bacteria found in decomposing materials.
  • The adult flies do not feed or cause damage.


Fruit Fly


  • Appearance:
  • Adult fruit flies are small, measuring about 1/8 inch in length.
  • They typically have red eyes, a tan thorax, and a black abdomen.
  • The wings of fruit flies are clear and may have distinctive dark bands.
  • Habitat:
  • Fruit flies are found worldwide and are commonly associated with places where fruits and vegetables are present.
  • They can infest homes, grocery stores, markets, and other areas with organic matter.
  • Overripe or decaying fruits and vegetables are ideal breeding grounds for fruit flies.
  • Diet:
  • Fruit flies feed on ripened or fermenting fruits and vegetables.
  • They are also attracted to sugary substances, such as spilled juices, soda, and alcohol.


House Fly


  • Appearance:
  • Adult house flies are medium-sized insects, measuring about 1/4 to 3/8 inch in length.
  • They have a gray thorax with four dark stripes and a somewhat dull, grayish abdomen.
  • The eyes of house flies are large and red.
  • Habitat:
  • House flies are highly adaptable and are found in a variety of environments, including homes, restaurants, farms, and garbage dumps.
  • They are attracted to decaying organic matter, garbage, animal waste, and food residues.
  • Diet:
  • House flies are scavengers and feed on a wide range of organic materials, including food scraps, garbage, feces, and decaying plant matter.
  • They regurgitate digestive juices onto solid food to liquefy it before feeding.