CHAPTER II 

 THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE COMMON HOUSE-FLY 



Although there are several other kinds of flies which 

 occasionally visit the dwellings of mankind, there is 

 one super-abundant species, Muscadomestica, to which 

 the name of " house-fly" pre-eminently belongs. In 

 the scientist's discriminating judgment, when viewed 

 microscopically, it differs substantially from others ; but 

 it differs very little in general appearance from certain 

 outdoor flies and from one not uncommon indoor 

 smaller companion, Fannia canicularis, which is not 

 classified amongst the Muscidcz but amongst the 

 Antkomyidtz. This latter has been fitly termed the 

 " lesser House-fly;" it has the same habit of delighting 

 to pester man as much as or more than cattle outdoors. 

 Both these flies join with several others in frequenting 

 stables and cow-sheds. 



These two flies and the familiar " blue-bottle" (again 

 it seems that we are liable to confuse two species) are 

 the special subject of our present study ; but it will be 

 as well to take passing notice of some few other 

 members of the tribe classified by scientists as belong- 

 ing to the order Diptera. The species of this order 

 native to Great Britain are said to number nearly three 

 thousand, of which quite two hundred of largish sizes 

 are exceedingly common and widely distributed. 



