Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
stable fly
Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans).
stable fly
insect
Also known as: Stomoxys calcitrans, biting housefly
stable fly, (Stomoxys calcitrans), a species of vicious bloodsucking fly in the family Muscidae (sometimes placed in the family Stomoxyidae) in the fly order, Diptera. Stable flies are usually found in open sunny areas, although they may enter a house during bad weather. Often known as biting houseflies, they may transmit anthrax and other animal diseases.
The female must feed on blood before she can lay her eggs. Eggs are laid and larvae develop in rotting or fermenting straw. The life cycle requires about three weeks. The stable fly is best controlled by the elimination of breeding areas.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Discover how ordinary objects work, and expand your understanding of the familiar.
" height="20" alt="HEW Logo">
By clicking "Sign Up", you consent to the Britannica Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.