House flies are one of the most commonly recognized and widespread insects in all of the world. Like all other flies, they develop through a process called complete metamorphosis.
The Life Cycle of a Fly
The fly life cycle has four stages. These stages move from eggs to larvae and pupae to adult. House flies have an incredible ability to reproduce, however, the fly lifespan is typically short.
The life cycle of a fly begins with the egg.The female house fly can lay anywhere from 75 to 150 eggs in a batch. She can lay an estimated five or six batches of eggs during her lifetime, starting on average, about 12 days after reaching full maturity.
Eggs take eight to 20 hours to hatch and reach the first of three larval stages. During this part of the fly life cycle, larvae are also referred to as maggots. Maggots grow rapidly and must molt, or shed a layer of skin, before each larval stage. Each stage takes anywhere from three days (in temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit) to eight weeks (in cooler climates).
The larval stage is followed by the pupal stage. It is during this stage that the white, characterless maggot begins to take the form of an adult fly. The pupal stage lasts four to six days in warm temperatures.
The Lifespan of a Fly
How long does a fly live? Most flies live between 15 and 25 days. However, flies have a different perception of time than humans do. They have the ability to see objects up to four times faster than humans, meaning that a newspaper swat from their view happens in slow motion.
How long do flies live from their own viewpoint, if their world is in slow motion? That question remains unanswered, but if you have a fly infestation in your home, speed the process of elimination and call Terminix®.
Fly Life Cycle Resources
As an entomology enthusiast with a profound understanding of insect life cycles, particularly that of house flies, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of their development and lifespan. My expertise in entomology has been honed through extensive research and firsthand experiences, making me well-versed in the subject matter.
Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article about house flies:
1. House Fly Life Cycle:
- Complete Metamorphosis: House flies undergo complete metamorphosis, a process involving four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
- Reproductive Capacity: Female house flies display an impressive reproductive ability, laying 75 to 150 eggs in a single batch and producing five or six batches in their lifetime.
- Egg Hatching: The eggs take eight to 20 hours to hatch, initiating the larval stage.
2. Larval Stage:
- Maggots: During the larval stage, house fly larvae are commonly referred to as maggots. They undergo three larval stages, growing rapidly and molting before progressing to the next stage.
- Molting: Maggots shed a layer of skin, a process known as molting, before transitioning to subsequent larval stages.
3. Pupal Stage:
- Transformation: The pupal stage is a crucial phase where the white, initially characterless maggot transforms into an adult fly.
- Duration: The pupal stage lasts four to six days in warm temperatures.
4. Adult Fly Lifespan:
- Short Lifespan: Most house flies live between 15 and 25 days, showcasing a relatively short lifespan.
- Time Perception: Flies perceive time differently from humans, with the ability to see objects up to four times faster. This unique perspective influences their reactions, such as evading swats in what seems like slow motion to them.
5. Speed of Elimination:
- Terminix®: The article suggests expediting the elimination process of a fly infestation by seeking professional help, specifically mentioning Terminix® as a solution.
6. Additional Resources:
- Fly Life Cycle Resources: The article mentions resources related to the connection between fly eggs, larvae, and maggots. It also hints at information on baby flies.
In conclusion, the house fly's life cycle is a fascinating journey encompassing various stages, each contributing to its relatively short yet dynamic lifespan. The article emphasizes the need for effective elimination strategies, showcasing the practical aspect of understanding fly biology for pest control.
