Taxonomy

Family: Fanniidae

Genus: Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy 1830

Species: canicularis (Linnaeus 1761)

The first- and second-instar larvae were described by Tao (1927) and the third instar by Ishijima (1967).

Biology

The larvae of Fannia canicularis develop in a variety of decaying organic matter, including carrion. The larvae are characterised by their flattened bodies and branched lateral protuberances (Smith 1986; Zumpt 1965). The species has been involved in human myiasis (Smith 1986). The adults are common inhabitants of houses, where they are attracted to lights.

Distribution

Fannia canicularis has been recorded from all states and territories except the Northern Territory.

Relevant Literature

Ishijima, H. (1967) Revision of the third stage larvae of synanthropic flies of Japan (Diptera: Anthomyiidae, Muscidae, Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae). Japanese Journal of Sanitary Zoology 18, 47-100.

Smith K.G.V. (1986) A manual of forensic entomology, Ithaca, New York, Cornell University Press.

Tao, S.M. (1927) A comparative study of the early larval stages of some common flies. American Journal of Hygiene 7, 735-761.

Zumpt, F. (1965) Myiasis in man and animals in the Old World. A textbook for physicians, veterinarians and zoologists, London, Butterworth and Co.