Are Flies Good to Eat?
WouterWhile we may not consider flies a good food, they do have a number of beneficial qualities. They help us get rid of a number of pests. Some species feed on organic matter in our environment. Others, like horse flies, need a blood meal to lay their eggs. These pests reproduce rapidly, and may spread many diseases.
While most flies feed on plants and fungi, others eat solid foods. Some species lay their eggs in leaves and stems, where they produce digestive juices that turn the plant into a gall. Fly larvae also filter out microscopic particles from freshwater water. And some species are parasitic, which means they eat other organisms such as vertebrates.
Flies are among the most studied insects, and their physiology and appearance are remarkable. They can change dramatically due to subtle changes in their DNA. Because they reproduce quickly, they can be studied for a relatively short time. The brain of a fly is very simple, and its larvae may be visible.
While there are concerns that flies can carry diseases, the risks associated with flies are low. The risk of infection from a single fly’s landing on your food is extremely unlikely. Most flies can be deflected by the human immune system. Furthermore, the amount of contamination from flies varies depending on their habitat and population. Generally, urban flies are less harmful than their rural counterparts. Furthermore, the number of flies in an urban environment is reduced due to the use of chemicals.
