Do Flies Have Any Useful Purpose?
WouterWhen you think of flies, you might automatically associate them with dirt and disease. But while some species can be harmful, most of them play an important role in ecosystems. In fact, 2019 has been dubbed the International Year of the Fly. There are more than 100 000 species of flies, so understanding their role in ecosystems is crucial for human wellbeing.
In laboratories, flies have proven to be invaluable subjects. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, shares DNA with all life, and has helped lay the foundation for modern genetics. They may also help us understand more about how the brain works. These insects are useful for scientific studies and can provide useful insights into neuroscience and other fields.
In addition to pollinating plants and seeds, flies also help to spread disease. Some species are very important pollinators, and many plants depend on them to reproduce. Their larvae are an important source of food for many other insects. In addition to pollinating plants, flies also serve as a food source for other animals.
As adults, flies usually live 15 to 25 days, but they can live up to two months. Their food needs help them to maintain their long lifespan. In addition, they can survive in cooler temperatures for longer. They also need food for copulation. It takes about 15 minutes for an adult fly to mate with another adult. Female flies require protein, which is often unavailable in manure.
