Order: Diptera

Family: Phoridae

 

The Phorid fly is also referred to as a "humpbacked fly" because of its appearance and/or a "scuttle fly" because of its erratic flying. This fly family has over 2,500 species worldwide, but only about 225 species are currently recognized in the United States.

 

Description: This very small fly is only about 1/4 inch long with a definite humpbacked appearance in the lateral view. They are black, brown or yellow with short antenna.

 

Biology: The adult female Phorid fly lays 9-12 eggs each day for a lifetime average of 368 eggs. Although developmental time varies depending on species, the most common Phorid fly in our area has an egg to adult developmental time of approximately 21 days. 

 

Habits: Phorid flies can be found anywhere there is decaying organic matter such as carrion, rotting plant matter, garbage disposals, moist dirty mop heads, moist film (scum) in drain pipes, moist film in garbage cans and dumpsters, rotting food found under kitchen equipment, sewage pipe breaks, or in the soil of indoor plants. These flies are particularly challenging in areas such as health care facilities, mausoleums and funeral homes, pet stores and zoos. Phorid flies are of great concern because of the potential to transport disease organisms to food materials.