Do Flies Make a Buzzing Sound When They Fly?
WouterIf you have ever wondered, “Do flies make a buzzing sound when they fly?” then you are not alone. Flies are among the most diverse insect orders and belong to over 150 different families. The buzzing sound flies make is due to the way their wings beat together as they fly. In fact, flies are much smaller than other airborne animals and trap less air under their wings, making the buzzing sound they produce even more distinctive.
There are a few different reasons why flies and mosquitoes make this sound. Some are harmless, while others can be quite annoying. Some buzzing sounds are also quite pleasant. Try to sit outside and listen to the insects buzzing around you. If you are a fan of insects, you may wonder why they make that sound.
One theory is that flies use the sound as a warning or communication system. The buzzing sound is made by male fruit flies, which chase the females with their wings vibrated. These flies make both the buzzing and the purring sound simultaneously.
A study published in Current Biology found that flies make this sound when mating. The sound is likely produced by fluttering their wings during mating. The sound is also thought to alert hungry bats to the flies’ presence. The researchers also noted that bats often attack flies that are mating.
