According to the scientific classification of species, the common housefly (Musca domestica) belongs to the following classes:
Phylum: Arthropoda (organisms with jointed legs)
Class: Insecta (organisms with six legs and three body segments)
Order: Diptera (insects that fly with only two wings)
Family: Muscidae
Genus: Musca
Species: Domestica
Diptera Order: The word 'Diptera' comes from the Greek words: 'Di' (two) and 'ptera' (wings). Insects in this class can use only two (one pair) forewings to fly. Small, rod-shaped appendages called halters, usually evolved from the hind wings, help maintain balance. This order includes flies, mosquitoes, and gnats.