The genus Muscina, commonly known as false stable flies, consists of approximately 27 species of flies within the family Muscidae. These flies are globally distributed and are notable for their significance in forensic science and public health.
Key Characteristics
Appearance: They typically have a striped thorax and a characteristic pale or reddish tip on the scutellum (the back part of the thorax).
Mouthparts: They possess a retractable proboscis with sponging or sucking mouthparts, similar to the common housefly.
Wing Venation: A distinguishing feature is the "fourth vein" (M vein) on the wing, which is moderately curved but does not meet the third vein at the wing tip.
Size: Most common species, such as M. stabulans and M. levida, are slightly larger than the common housefly, averaging 8 mm in length.
