How Many Flies Are There on Earth?
WouterIf you’ve ever wondered how many flies there are on the Earth, you’re not alone. According to scientists, there are roughly 17 million flies for every human on the planet. Flies are a common nuisance in many areas, from the Arctic to the equator. They can also carry dangerous diseases, so it’s important to know how many flies are present in your area.
One recent study found that many species of flies may be vulnerable to climate change, which scientists link to rising temperatures. One species that is particularly vulnerable to climate change is the bone skipper fly, which feeds on animal carcasses, and comes out at night in the winter. It was previously thought to be extinct, but researchers recently discovered it was still around.
Fly life cycles vary, but generally they last between eight and twenty-five days before reproducing. In cooler climates, they may live longer. However, they must feed before copulating, which takes only two to fifteen minutes. In addition, flies need protein for their reproductive process. Flies are known to produce up to one million offspring every six to eight weeks.
Scientists estimate that there are around 160,000 species of flies on the planet. Common types include the house fly, horse flies, and gnats. Flies are scavengers, and many species are useful for the environment. However, they can also be dangerous to humans.
