How Many Flies Are Born Each Day?
Flies are incredibly prolific creatures. They lay their eggs on decaying organic matter like food waste, carrion, and feces. The eggs are white, about 0.05 inches long, and hatch in eight to twenty hours. During the first few weeks after hatching, the fly larvae are usually found attached to rocks, sticks, and vegetation trailing in the water.
One of the more well-known flies is the fruit fly, which is also known as the vinegar fly. This tiny insect has DNA common to all life and has given scientists insights into genetics and neuroscience. It is also a common laboratory study subject. Although the species isn’t endemic to the United States, it has a large presence worldwide, and is a good model species for many experiments.
Flies live for 15 to 30 days and complete four stages in their life cycle. The first stage is the egg stage, where female flies lay eggs. A male fly fertilizes the egg and the eggs grow to be a larva. The entire process lasts from 30 minutes to two hours. The adult flies feed on liquids, soft materials, and decaying organic matter.
Unlike human beings, flies can be dangerous because they spread a variety of diseases from their feces. Many flies are invasive and can even affect human health. If you’re concerned about your health, it’s best to avoid places where they breed in the first place.