Originally called Apis, the bee by Johann Bayer in 1603, the constellation was renamed Musca Australis, the southern fly, by Nicolas Louis de La Caille between 1750-1754. It was called the southern fly to distinguish it from Musca Borealis, the northern fly, a constellation that is no longer recognized. Later the name of the constellation was shortened to simply Musca. The constellation is located immediately south of Crux, the Southern Cross.