Do Flies Get Tired?
WouterDo flies get tired? That’s a question that has puzzled scientists for decades. The nemuri gene is a key component in fighting infection and promoting sleep in insects. When this gene is turned on, neurons in the brain that control sleep light up. In experiments, flies deprived of sleep displayed extra nemuri activity.
Flies spend the day buzzing around, but when the sun goes down, they become tired and look for a comfortable place to sleep. They typically prefer the undersides of twigs and leaves, or under rocks. These locations are both comfortable and safe for them. Otherwise, they run the risk of getting eaten by hungry birds or frogs.
Luckily, house flies do not have teeth. They have taste receptors on their foot and lower leg. When a fly lands, it begins to sample the flavor of the food around it. Fortunately, they’re also not interested in your shoulders or clothes, so you shouldn’t worry about getting bitten. If you’ve been bitten by a fly, make sure to wash your hands and avoid eating anything that has been touched by a fly.
When flies are swarming inside your house, they’re probably a sign of an infestation. In most cases, flies do not lay eggs on humans, but instead lay them on objects. Once a fly egg hatches, the larvae burrow into your skin and develop into an adult fly.
