15 Facts About Flies

Flies are insects.

Flies belong to the order Diptera, which means “two wings. They are characterized by their set of unique functional wings.

There are over 120,000 species of flies.

Flies come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. From the common house fly to the intricate patterns of butterflies, flies have a wide range of diversity.

Flies have compound eyes.

Unlike humans, flies have compound eyes which consist of thousands of individual lenses, allowing them to detect movement in a wide field of view.

Flies have a short lifespan.

Most fly species have an average lifespan of only a few weeks to a couple of months. This short lifespan is often attributed to their high reproductive rate and susceptibility to predators.

Flies play a crucial role in the ecosystem as decomposers.

Flies aid in the decomposition process by feeding on decaying organic matter. They help break down waste and recycle nutrients back into the environment.

Flies have a remarkable sense of smell.

Flies possess highly sensitive olfactory organs that allow them to detect food sources from a considerable distance away. This keen sense of smell helps them locate potential food and mates.

Flies have a rapid reproductive cycle.

Female flies can lay hundreds of eggs within a short period, leading to rapid population growth. This reproductive strategy ensures the survival of the species.

Flies have specialized mouthparts.

Flies have proboscis-like mouthparts that are adapted for lapping up liquid substances. This enables them to feed on nectar, fruits, and other liquid food sources.

Flies are excellent flyers.

With their specialized wings and strong flight muscles, flies are agile and capable of flying in various directions, including hovering and quick direction changes.

Flies are important pollinators.

While bees are well-known pollinators, flies also play a significant role in pollinating certain plants, especially those with unpleasant odors that attract them.

Flies have evolved to become resistant to many pesticides.

Due to their short reproductive cycles and high population growth, flies have developed resistance to numerous pesticides, making them challenging to control.

Flies can transmit diseases.

Some fly species, such as mosquitoes and house flies, are capable of carrying and transmitting various diseases to humans and animals.

The buzzing sound of flies is produced by their wings.

Flies generate a distinct buzzing sound during flight by rapidly beating their wings, which can help ward off predators.

Flies have taste receptors on their feet.

Flies can taste food by simply walking on it. Their chemosensory receptors on their feet allow them to detect sweet, salty, and bitter substances.

Some fly species are beneficial to humans.

While flies are often seen as a nuisance, certain species like the hoverfly are beneficial as they help control populations of harmful insects like aphids by preying on them.

Conclusion

Flies are truly fascinating creatures that play a crucial role in our ecosystem. From their incredible flying abilities to their unique life cycle, there is much to learn about these insects. Hopefully, these 15 facts about flies have shed some light on their interesting characteristics.

Next time you encounter a fly buzzing around, take a moment to appreciate the complexity and importance of these small creatures. Whether it’s their ability to pollinate plants or their role as decomposers, flies demonstrate the incredible diversity and adaptability found in the animal kingdom.

So, the next time you swat away a fly, remember that it is just going about its fly business, contributing to the balance of nature in its own unique way.

FAQs

Q: How long do flies live?

A: The lifespan of a fly can vary, but on average, houseflies live for about 15-30 days.

Q: What do flies eat?

A: Flies are attracted to various food sources, including decaying matter, feces, fruits, and sugary substances.

Q: Why are flies considered pests?

A: Flies can be considered pests because they can spread diseases by landing on contaminated surfaces and then onto food or people.

Q: How do flies see the world?

A: Flies have compound eyes, which consist of thousands of individual lenses that allow them to see multiple images simultaneously.

Q: Can flies transmit diseases to humans?

A: Yes, flies can transmit diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever, as they can pick up pathogens on their bodies and transfer them to food or surfaces.

Q: Is it true that flies vomit on their food before eating it?

A: Yes, it is true. Flies regurgitate digestive juices onto their food to break it down before ingesting it.

Q: Can flies walk upside down?

A: Yes, flies have sticky pads on their feet that allow them to walk on vertical surfaces or even upside down.

Q: Why do flies buzz around our heads?

A: Flies are attracted to the moisture and odor that our bodies emit, leading them to buzz around us in search of food or breeding sites.

Q: Do all flies bite?

A: No, not all fly species bite. Only certain types of flies, such as horse flies and mosquitoes, have mouthparts adapted for piercing the skin and feeding on blood.

Q: How do flies survive the winter?

A: Many fly species lay eggs that overwinter in protected locations, such as soil or leaf litter. Adult flies may also seek shelter in buildings or other protected areas during the colder months.

Q: Can flies hear us?

A: Flies do not have ears like humans do, but they can sense vibrations and movements in the air, allowing them to perceive sound to a certain extent.

Q: Why do flies rub their legs together?

A: Flies rub their legs together as a way to clean them and remove debris. They also use this behavior to generate signals and communicate with other flies.

Q: How many eggs can a female fly lay in her lifetime?

A: Female flies can lay hundreds of eggs in their lifetime, with some species capable of laying up to 1,000 eggs.

Q: Can flies be beneficial?

A: Yes, flies can be beneficial. Some fly species act as pollinators for certain plants, while others serve as decomposers, breaking down organic matter and contributing to nutrient cycling.

Q: Are all flies fast fliers?

A: Flies are known for their agility and speed, making them exceptional fliers. However, the flight speed can vary among different fly species.

Q: Are flies attracted to certain colors?

A: Flies are particularly attracted to bright and contrasting colors, especially those with a tendency to reflect ultraviolet light.