General
Adults are 6-8mm long. Wing span 13-15mm. The thorax is grey with four longitudinal dark stripes. The fourth vein on the wing bends sharply forward, almost reaching the third vein. The sides of the abdomen are yellowish and maybe transparent. A central dark band broadens at the back to cover the final abdominal segments. The larvae is a typical maggot and changes colour from white to cream.

Significance
Potential vectors have a wide range of diseases such as dysentery gastroenteritis and tuberculosis. They can transmit intestinal worms. They move from filth to food and therefore move pathogens from dirty to clean areas. Flyspotting is produced when feeding and defecating.

Control
Refuse stored in well-sealed containers. Refuse tips covered with 9 inches of earth and then compacted.  Fly screens, UV lighting, fly traps with a bait attractant. residual insecticides will help to alleviate the problem. The use of residual insecticides, particularly synthetic pyrethroids in poultry units is not recommended.
Consult a specialist for control in animal units.
 

Hours spent at each stage of the life cycle