How Many Flies Die a Day?
WouterIf climate change continues, it will likely mean the end of many flies. A recent paper examining the decline of all insects found an apparent link between global warming and a decline in flies. One of the flies most at risk is the ‘bone skipper’ fly, which is a winter visitor that feeds on picked over carcasses. This fly was thought to be extinct until it was discovered a few years ago.
This fly species undergoes four stages of development. The first is the egg, which takes about 6 to 42 days to transform into a larva. Then, the larvae develop into a protective casing called a pupa. Once the pupa emerges, it turns into an adult and looks for a mate. The entire process of fly development usually takes about seven to ten days.
Adult female house flies typically live about 25 days, while adult males live about fifteen days. However, the lifespans of these insects can vary by region, season, and food sources. Generally, warmer weather allows insects to develop more rapidly, while cooler temperatures prolong their life cycles. In addition, they can overwinter in cool temperatures, which means less activity for them.
Flies feed on a variety of foods, including organic matter and decayed food. They are most likely to be found in garbage, trash cans, and kitchen drains. In addition, flies can transmit a number of diseases and are unhygienic.
