Now, the life cycle of a fly is a rather simple process, considering it only passes through four distinct life cycle stages : the egg, the larva, the pupa, and the final adult form.
Fly Eggs
To start, a single fly egg is almost unnoticeable, measuring approximately 1.2 mm long. But, they are still easily missed even when laid in batches of 75 to 100! They are among the hardest insects to get rid of! And it’s no wonder when one considers the female, egg-laying potential of 500 eggs in a single fly lifetime.
Where do Flies Lay Their Eggs?
The housefly egg depends on optimal conditions, such as warm, moist environments, to experience a healthy incubation period. They are usually laid within close range of the typical fly breeding grounds of manure and decay. However, if the eggs aren't supplied with the perfect environment, they may never hatch.
Fly Larva
Larva will hatch within a short 8 – 24 hours, to a meal of the organic matter that their eggs were laid in. Here, they’ll spend the first half of their larvae stage feeding, sustenance that will carry them into their next life cycle stage.
What do Fly Larva Look Like?
With a length between 3mm and 9mm, their creamy-white, legless frame, and unnerving wriggling, they are undoubtedly an unsightly vision. The mouth of alarming hooks on their faceless pointed heads is appropriate for the consumption of rotting, liquefied matter.
Fly Pupa
The pupal case is approximately 8mm long and is composed of larva's the skin, initially appearing yellow in hue, then turning red, brown, and finally black as a result of the pupal age. Furthermore, it completes its development in approximately 3 – 6 days, given ideal temperatures that range from 32-37 degrees Celsius.
