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House fly

Guide to New Zealand's freshwater invertebrates

House fly ( Muscidae : Muscidae )

Pale larva and yellow pupa
Limnophora-like larva (arrow indicates head)

Diagnostic features

The muscid flies have a range of larval forms depending on the species. Some are simple maggot-like forms lacking any conspicuous structures (prolegs, welts, siphons etc). One muscid group resembles the genus Limnophora (known overseas) and is larger than other muscids, with obvious prolegs and 2 respiratory siphons. The larvae of all forms have no obvious head structure.

Typical habitats

Muscid larvae are found in many stream types, and they can be particularly common amongst algal mats on stony streambeds.

Feeding

Muscid larvae are thought to be predators, probably feeding on other fly larvae and worms.

Indicator value

Muscids can be found in good quality streams, but they can also thrive in quite polluted streams. Their ability to live in polluted habitats explains their low tolerance values of 3 (hard bottom sites) and 1.6 (soft bottom sites).