The adults infest bodies that have decomposed, making the species an important part of forensic entomology.

The larvae of this fly have adapted protuberances, or feathered appendages, that allow them to survive in such a moist environment.

The larvae of F. scalaris, when full grown, are 6 to 8 mm in length, white or cream colored, and slightly flattened dorsally.

The dorsal abdomen has a dark median stripe that produces a series of triangular markings with the segmentally arranged transverse bands.

[6] The fourth vein on the wing of this species is straight, as compared to it being curved in the house fly.

[2] Their eggs can also be found in decaying vegetable matter, carrion, nests of birds or other insects, or human cadavers.

[10] The main medical concern with this species is that it causes accidental enteric, urinary, auricular, and urogenital myiasis.

Myiasis is the infestation of animals or humans, where dipterous fly larvae feed on the host's necrotic or living tissue.

[2] This species is also found on highly decomposed bodies that are in containers that do not allow drainage, which can form semi-liquid media.

This illustrates that F. scalaris causes problems for humans globally, not just in underdeveloped regions, although it may be more prevalent in under developed areas.