We’d like to think that we know nature pretty well. That we can identify the creatures around us and know a fair bit about what they like to feed on, how they act, and where they like to hang out. But there’s always something we can learn.
Unlike humans, most flies make their homes outdoors. Their entire life cycle is spent in the wild, so if you’re wondering what types of flies you’re likely to see, or what purpose they serve in their habitats, you’ve come to the right place.
House Flies
House flies can be identified by their grayish bodies and unique pattern of black and gray stripes. They measure between 6 and 7 millimeters in length, have red eyes, and four dark lines on their thorax.
These fly types feed on food scraps, garbage, and human or animal feces. They can also act as vectors for serious diseases such as food poisoning, typhoid, cholera, and dysentery.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are one of the many different types of flies that dwell in nature today. They can be found near virtually any type of fruit, as they are attracted to the sweet smell of decaying fruit.
These flies appear as small, black, buzzing creatures that may seem to come out of nowhere. Not only do they feed on decaying fruit, but they also mate and lay their eggs on the smooth surface of ripening fruit.
Cluster Flies
The cluster fly is a type that primarily dwells outdoors in the summer months. Also known as attic flies and sole flies, they are larger than other flies and have grayish-black markings on their abdomens. These flies are often found in large groups, or “clusters,” and they prefer dark areas such as attics, garages, and wall voids.
While cluster flies are not known to be disease carriers, they can be a nuisance because of the large groups that they form inside homes and other buildings.
Bluebottle Flies
Bluebottle flies, also known as bottle flies, are commonly found buzzing around garbage cans and feasting on decaying animal and fruit matter. They have a shiny metallic blue-green color with orange eyes and measure around 10-14 mm in length. Bluebottle flies have a short lifespan, usually only lasting around 10 days.
They are normally seen in the summer months and can often be found in gardens, around outdoor picnics, and most commonly in horse manure and carrion. Fortunately, bluebottle flies are harmless and do not bite or spread disease.
Black Soldier Flies
This species of fly is found across North America and prefers warm climates, often living in rotten logs or compost piles. The adult black soldier fly is quite small and has a blackish-grey body that can be approximately the size of a pea.
They are also a fantastic source of food for other natural organisms, as they are high in proteins and fatty acids. The black soldier fly for sale is incredibly beneficial to nature and can help maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Types of Flies and Their Characteristics
Overall, there are countless types of flies within nature, ranging from those that cause irritations and bites to those that serve as important predators and pollinators. Flies are a vital part of our ecosystems and play an important part in the balance between predators and prey in nature. Spotting different types of flies can be a fascinating activity – why not give it a go?
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