How Do Flies Fly Backwards?

If you are curious as to how flies take off and land in the air, you may have wondered if they can fly backwards. However, this question has not been answered by scientists yet. Researchers are now investigating the effect of light on flies’ takeoff and landing.

Flies have two functional wings and drumstick-like organs called halteres. These organs act as gyroscopes during flight and measure torque and angular momentum around the body. In addition to this, they are able to change direction and roll up to 90 degrees.

The flies’ brains process information fast. For instance, they calculate their position in relation to an incoming threat and adjust their body and legs accordingly. This takes place in under a hundred milliseconds. This is because the brain processes sensory information quickly. By doing so, flies can be able to react to danger within milliseconds.

Although most birds are not able to fly backwards, some can. In fact, hummingbirds and dragonflies are the only two non-insects that can fly backwards. Hummingbirds can change directions mid-air, while egrets and herons can fly backwards defensively. However, their wings are not designed for sustained backwardswings.

The discovery of how flies fly backwards was made possible by an international team of scientists. Using bluebottle flies, scientists were able to solve the aerobatic enigma. The scientists used video and anatomical landmarks to observe the flies’ body motions and movements in a flight chamber.

Continue reading:

What Tippet For Dry Flies Should You Use? Can You Eat Flies Raw? You Can Catch More Flies With Honey Than Vinegar Can I Eat Food That Flies Have Been on? Can Flies Eat You Alive? Can Flies Cause Worms in Cats? Can You Use Regular Vinegar For Fruit Flies? How Can We Prevent Mosquitoes and Flies From Breeding in Our Yard?