If you spot a large black fly (.25 in long, .5 in wingspan), it is probably a House Fly. They can be found around humans on every continent and in every climate. The large compound eyes almost touch in the male but are widely separated in the female.
House Flies feed and breed on garbage and excrement and can carry disease but play an important role in breaking down organic matter. Their sponge-like mouthparts are good for soaking up liquids but not solids. Like butterflies, they have taste buds on their legs and feet.
Did you know? House Flies can walk upside down or on slippery glass thanks to sticky pads on their legs.
See Also: Black Fly, Horse Fly, Hoverfly
Easy - numerous and usually easy to spot
in the habitats listed at the appropriate time of
year.
Deserts are dry areas covered with sand or
rocks and with very few plants. There is
limited rainfall and it's usually very hot.
Forests are large areas of trees growing close
together.
Grasslands are large open areas covered with
grasses. They have very few trees or shrubs.
This habitat includes prairies and tundra.
Mountains are very high areas of land with
steep sides leading to a peak. They are often connected
to other mountains as part of a mountain range.
Urban areas have a large population within a
defined area.
This includes villages, towns, and cities.
Wetlands are low-lying areas that are covered by
water all or most of the time and support a variety of
aquatic plants. This habitat includes rivers, streams,
lakes, ponds, bogs, and marshes.