Fly Identification

[leptraps]

I have trapped virtually thousands of flies, Diptera, in my Bait Traps this winter. I have been amazed at the number of flies and the diversity. I have pinned several dozen. However, I think I may only have four (4) species. Maybe six (6).

I realize the vast majority of members collect either Lepidoptera or Coleoptera. And then most only collect specimen from the tropics.

I have requested the name of a good book or publications on Diptera with out a response. I am even willing to send specimens to be identified. I will gladly send specimens or photographs of specimen for identification. If you identify them you can keep them.

Can anyone assist me?

[tv]

Hey Leroy, this is probably the best book:

Flies: The Natural History and Diversity of Diptera

Stephen Marshall

He is one of the foremost authorities on diptera

[leptraps]

I just purchased the book: The Natural History and Diversity of Diptera by Stephen Marshall

$126.09 including shipping via Amazon.

[wollastoni]

You can find this book below $100.00 on Amazon here : amzn.to/3mHD0VR

[leptraps]

All three (3) of the books on North American Diptera arrived today.I also received a pamphlet that I requested on the common flies in Ohio. The common house fly or "S##t Fly" (Musca domestica) are extremely abundant in Large Cities world wide..

While searching the Net for the common house fly (Musca domestica). I learned it is called the "Death Fly". When some one's dies or just drops dead, Musca domestica is the first Fly to show up.

I also learned why flies are found in great numbers in local Bar's. Because the patrons get "S__t Faced. Or why Washington DC have more "Pest Control Company's" than New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago combined.

I think I need a nap.

[trehopr1]

I have always known of Musca domestica as being commonly called the House fly (which was the term used by you in your above post). I have never heard the moniker "Death Fly" used in any book I've ever read and never heard anyone call it the death fly.

However, this world of ours has evolved into a world of "sensationalism" at every turn. Why just call a dull, drab, uninteresting common fly a "house fly" (which is where most people seem too notice it most); instead let's call it the Death fly and post it on the Web and see who runs with it.

Same thing recently with the discovery of a nest of the Asian Hornet in Washington state. Right away, some lunkhead "coins" it the "Murder Hornet" and every news organization seizes on that and goes blaring such idiocy all over the news waves ! It is known as the ASIAN hornet for a reason: because guess what it's found ALL over Asia in differing subspecies (not just from Japan); where the colony likely established itself from.

There seems to be no end to this nonsense these days.

I also happen to think that blow flies (Calliphoridae) are the first guests to any banquet of dead animal. Not Muscidae.

[trehopr1]

I have an aunt who once owned and operated a farm which was in the business of boarding horses.
She owned it for 20 years and my brother and I would spend a week there every summer. This really
helped fuel my passion for insects and collecting.

Anyway, I remember well during these summer visits how pesky and fly infested the horse barns would be
despite being cleaned regularly. It seemed that aside from the occasional horse flies which would show up
and get netted by me (if possible); the overwhelming majority of flies present were Muscidae.

I noted that House flies "abounded" along with that little nasty biter the Stable Fly (another Muscid). Of coarse,
blow flies (Calliphoridae) were present also but, in MUCH reduced numbers. One could always spy them on the
horse droppings !

I have seen my share of dead carcasses on the road as I once worked for a summer/fall season at a local municipality.
I was part of the "road upkeep crew". We did quick fix-it patchwork on potholes and were called out for "dead animal duty";
where we basically shoveled up the remains and put them into one of our trucks for trash disposal.

I know that I always saw tons of Calliphoridae in these situations but, also noted Muscidae were there too however,
in seemingly lesser numbers. Both are likely attracted to the same pungent odors of anything (fresh); whether it be
droppings or anything dead.

So, the bottom line is I don't think anyone can definitively say Muscidae are "Corpse flies". Based on my experiences
I would be more inclined to call the House fly a "barn fly" and those greenbottle/bluebottle flies more-so "dung/death flies".

Just my opinion