Can Flies Break Their Legs?
WouterIt has long been debated whether flies can break their legs. The answer to this question depends on the species. For example, flies in the hawk moth family have a damage control mechanism that allows them to maintain moment equilibrium by adjusting the wing stroke frequency. Flies, on the other hand, may have an active mechanism that regulates the rate of strokes by adjusting the firing rate of their indirect flight muscle motor neurons.
Flies’ feet are designed to balance weight and adhesion. Their fat footpads provide plenty of surface area for adhesion. They also contain tiny hairs with spatula-like tips called setae. These hairs are a vital part of how flies can adhere to surfaces. Until recently, scientists believed that flies used the setae to stick to the ceiling. These hairs secrete a glue-like substance that helps them stick to surfaces.
Adult flies usually live for fifteen to twenty-five days, but they can survive for up to two months when they are fed appropriately. However, without food, they can survive for only two to three days. Their lifespan is also prolonged in cooler temperatures. Adult flies also need to feed before copulating. The process takes about two to fifteen minutes. The female needs protein to successfully copulate and lay an egg. Manure is not enough to provide this protein.
Even though it is not ideal, flying with a broken leg is possible. Using appropriate medical precautions and following safety procedures on the airplane can help prevent further damage. Moreover, hiring a flight nurse can be a wise choice. An onboard flight nurse is experienced in dealing with a variety of medical issues and can give you peace of mind.
