Do Flies Need Air to Breathe?
WouterFlies do not have lungs, so they use their air-filled tracheal system to carry oxygen to their cells. This system is remarkably efficient at supplying oxygen-filled air to the body’s cells. This organ is essential for flying insects, because their high energy demands require large volumes of oxygen.
Flies live for only two to three days without food, but if they have access to a source of suitable food, they can survive for up to two months. It also helps that they are able to survive cooler temperatures, which can help them live longer. However, adult flies need food before copulating. The process is very rapid, and usually takes only two to fifteen minutes. During the copulation process, female flies need protein, which they get from the food they eat. Unfortunately, manure does not supply enough of these nutrients.
Fly populations are widespread and can be found throughout the world. Their habitats range from the Arctic to the equator. Flies also have a very large and diverse larval population, making control technology a very difficult and expensive proposition. Nevertheless, there are ways to control the populations of these pests.
Flies use a system of tiny tubes called tracheae to breathe. This system allows oxygen to diffuse into many insect cells over a large distance. However, this method only works for small insects, and it is not ideal for large ones. While large insects can force air into their tracheae in a limited way, they can easily strangle themselves if they fill their tracheae with water, which prevents oxygen from diffusing properly.
