(Muscidae) This large family includes more than 5,150 species spread in all parts of the world. The known life patterns of larvae are diversified. They are mostly carnivores feeding on decaying organic material. Larvae have been found in offal and decaying plant and animal material. Carnivorous larvae can be aquatic or semi-aquatic. For example, larvae feed on some types of mosquitoes. Most adults can feed on flower nectar but adults of some species feed on blood (hematophagous) or suck liquid oozing from sores. Consequently, they can transmit diseases. Therefore this family is very important medically and veterinarily in most hot areas of the world.
