How old is the average housefly?

Insect development is temperature-dependent and measured in "degree-days." Thus an insect will develop faster in warm weather than cold. read more

The common housefly (Musca domestica) can go from egg to adult in 7-10 days under warm summer conditions, or take up to two months. Once an adult, it can live for 15-30 days. Flies can overwinter in some stages, however, so a fly in early spring may be a few months old. read more

The housefly was first described as Musca domestica in 1758 based on the common European specimens by the Swedish botanist and zoologist Carl Linnaeus in his Systema naturae, and continues to be classified under that name. read more

The adult housefly can live up to one month in the wild. The fruit fly also lives for approximately 30 days after reaching adulthood. Flies survive longest in warmer temperatures and their ideal temperatures—between 75 and 80 degrees—are those found in most American homes. read more