How Can Fruit Flies Jump?
WouterThe question of how can fruit flies jump was once a mystery, but recent research has revealed the secret behind this seemingly effortless action. During times of threat, the fruit fly’s brain calculates where the threat is located and then determines the best way to escape. It then places its legs in the best position for jumping out of the way. It executes all of this in less than 100 milliseconds, making it a remarkable feat of animal intelligence.
One trick to repel fruit flies is to place a bowl of apple cider vinegar in your kitchen. You can also place old pieces of fruit in your garbage disposal. Just remember that fruit flies are attracted to food and will land on these objects. This way, you can get rid of fruit flies without the need to use chemicals.
The larvae of a fly can jump up to 200 times faster than its host can crawl. This is the only known instance of a soft-bodied organism that can jump. In fact, the larva can do it in less than two beats of its wings, or a hundredth of a second.
Another way to avoid attracting fruit flies is to keep your kitchen free of old food. Food that has gone bad in the garbage can or inside the drain is a prime breeding ground for fruit flies. Fruit flies like food that is sticky and sweet, and a fruit bowl can be a great place for them. Alcohol, particularly liquor, is also a big attractant for fruit flies. In addition, small sugary drinks can be hidden on the counter or around a liquor bottle.
