Flies are insects belonging to the order Diptera.
They have a single pair of wings, distinguishing them from other insects.
Flies are known for their rapid flight and agility in the air.
There are over 150,000 known species of flies, ranging from tiny midges to larger horse flies.
Houseflies, scientifically known as Musca domestica, are common and widely distributed fly species.
Flies undergo complete metamorphosis, with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
The common housefly can taste with its feet, aiding in the detection of suitable food sources.
Flies play essential roles in ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and as a food source for other animals.
Fruit flies, like Drosophila melanogaster, are often used in scientific research due to their short life cycle and genetic similarities to humans.
Flies have compound eyes that provide a wide field of view, allowing them to detect movement and predators.
The horse fly is known for its painful bite, often feeding on the blood of mammals.
Flies are attracted to a variety of substances, including decaying matter, food, and sweet liquids.
Some species of flies, like hoverflies, mimic the appearance of bees or wasps for protection against predators.
Flies have specialized mouthparts for various feeding habits, including sponging, piercing, or sucking.
Mosquitoes, a type of fly, are known for their role as vectors of diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika virus.
Flies have a rapid reproductive rate, with some species laying hundreds of eggs in a short period.
The drone fly, resembling a honeybee, is a harmless mimic that feeds on nectar and pollen.
Flies can transmit diseases by carrying pathogens on their bodies and mouthparts.
The botfly larvae parasitize mammals, including humans, by burrowing into the skin.
Flies are often associated with unsanitary conditions due to their attraction to decaying organic matter.
The tsetse fly is known for transmitting the parasitic Trypanosoma causing African sleeping sickness.
Flies are important in forensic entomology, helping forensic scientists estimate the time of death in criminal investigations.
Certain species of flies, like the robber fly, are predatory and catch other insects mid-air.
Flies have a relatively short lifespan, ranging from a few days to a few weeks.
The blowfly is commonly used in forensic science to determine post-mortem intervals.
Flies have a rapid wing-beat frequency, allowing them to change direction quickly in flight.
The green bottle fly is attracted to decomposing flesh and is used in forensic research to study decomposition.
Flies are known for their ability to walk upside down on ceilings and other surfaces.
The bluebottle fly is attracted to carrion and is important in the decomposition process.
Flies are found in almost every habitat on Earth, from polar regions to deserts.
Despite their small size, flies are ecologically significant and contribute to nutrient recycling in ecosystems.