Can Flies Survive the Cold?
WouterOne of the most common questions asked by scientists is “Can flies survive the cold?” The answer is “yes” and “no.” Flies can adapt to environmental temperature by changing their diet. In fact, many species are able to survive at temperatures below freezing. Several factors contribute to the success of these species.
Flies are small creatures with relatively simple brains. They have around one hundred thousand neurons. Their brains are much simpler compared to our own. They use this to avoid being attacked, and they are also able to feign death in order to avoid being threatened. The blue bottle fly is a good example of this. The larvae of this insect hatch out as worm-like maggots, which feed on dead matter.
During colder months, flies seek shelter under leaves, on tree trunks, or tall grass. They do not generally stay on the ground for a night. The flies that survive the cold do so through hibernation. This way, they do not have to worry about finding a food source, which could lead to a shorter lifespan.
During cold weather, flies go into a form of hibernation called diapause. This condition can occur at any time of year and last for weeks or months. Once the weather warms up, the flies will resume their normal life. Flies enter diapause at temperatures between forty-five and seven-five degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures reach these levels, they will stop moving completely and become motionless.
