Can Flies Die in the Dark?

Flies are active during the day but become inactive at night. The temperature drops at night and flies seek shelter under leaves or tree trunks. This makes it difficult for them to travel and survive. However, sleep deprivation can have serious consequences for flies. They can suffer from memory loss and reduced brain activity.

To find out the answer to this question, scientists first had to understand how flies survive in the dark. This was done by studying the genetics of normal and dark flies. Scientists were able to identify 84 candidate genes that were involved in chemical signaling and pheromone production. If these genes were altered, they could improve the ability of flies to detect pheromones and survive in the dark. The team plans to test this hypothesis by inserting these gene variations into normal flies.

In Australia, flies are active in the daytime. Except for mosquitoes, most species of flies are daytime fliers. They use polarized light to guide them visually. They seek shelter in leaf litter, tall grass, or tree trunks. They will not stay overnight on the ground.

A recent study showed that blue light can reduce the lifespan of flies. It can also cause them to age faster. Blue light affects flies’ brain and retinal cells, and it reduces their ability to climb.