FLIES

Flies are one of the most popular insects around and they exist in so many different species. All true flies are a part of an order, Diptera which consists of a whopping 1 million species of flies. Out of this number, only about 125,000 species have been adequately researched and documented.

One thing that is common to all members of the Diptera order is that they only use one pair of wings in flight. Of all the species of flies, one that stands out is the housefly ( Musca ). House Flies have a distinctive grey colour and superb flying ability.

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APPEARANCE

Flies have a distinctive look which varies across species but they still have noticeable common features. Flies have a movable head and well-developed compound eyes. They have short, streamlined bodies ranging from 6 to 7 millimetres in length. Flies have their bodies divided into three segments. Flies possess a pair of antennae which extend from the first segment, the head. For flight flies possess wings which are attached to the middle segment.

FEEDING

Flies possess well-adapted mouthparts which they use for lapping and one of sucking and piercing. They mostly use the parts to suck nectar from flowers and feed on decaying organic matter such as plant parts or human faeces. Fly larvae also on organic matter.

MOVEMENT

Flies move by flying rapidly from one place to another. They have parts that are well adapted to enhance their flying speed and distance. One of such features is the halteres that oscillate alongside the wings and greatly improves their ability to manoeuvre while flying. Halteres supply rapid feedback to the muscles used for flying. This enables a properly balanced and guided flight. Without halteres flies are unable to fly at all.

Flies mostly move in a straight line and make the occasional 90-degree turn (saccade) before continuing in a straight manner once again.

REPRODUCTION

To reproduce, flies lay eggs. In most cases the female housefly mates with a male on just one occasion. Sperm released is then stored for possible future use. Not so long after the female fly lays between 75 and 100 eggs. These eggs hatch to reveal limbless white larvae (known as maggots in houseflies). After a few days of growth, the larva transforms into reddish-brown pupae which are about 8 millimetres in length. The pupae then develop for about six days. After this, it metamorphoses into an adult fly.

DISEASES

Due to the feeding and mating habits exhibited by flies especially house flies they carry and spread some diseases. Some of these diseases are:

Cholera
Dysentery
Tuberculosis
Typhoid

CONTROL

Flies can be very infuriating when they gather up and perch on things in homes. To keep flies away from your home it is best to employ a series of preventive measures. These include:

Proper food hygiene
Getting rid of all suitable breeding areas
Proper garbage disposal
Regular inspections by professional pest control services

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