Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 431

Fannia canicularis, also known as the lesser housefly, is a small fly with a length of 4 to 6 mm. The males have white-bordered eyes that meet above, while the females' eyes do not meet. The males have distinct black stripes on their brown-grey thorax, while the females have less distinct stripes. Females can lay up to 2,000 eggs in batches and the eggs hatch after two days. The larvae take about 2-4 weeks to develop into adults. The lesser housefly is found worldwide and can be a carrier of diseases. It is often found on excrement and vertebrate animals.