How Much Blood Do Flies Have?

Horse flies are known to cause painful bites and interfere with the grazing of horses and cattle. They can swarm, resulting in large blood losses for the animals. According to researchers, a horse fly can consume up to 1 cc of blood every day. This would be enough to feed 20 to 30 flies for a full six-hour day.

The blood of insects contains light pigments that give it a yellowish or green appearance. Although housefly blood is red, this is not actually due to blood, but rather red pigments from the insects’ eyes. Another difference between human blood and insect blood is that insects have a completely open circulatory system, without veins and arteries. This allows the flow of blood more freely.

A female fly must consume blood in order to develop her eggs. Flies can travel for miles in search of a meal of blood, which will enable them to produce eggs. Moreover, bites from flies can cause severe allergic reactions and blood loss. In addition, some species of biting flies may carry diseases that are dangerous to humans. Infection by these bugs is a serious threat to people and livestock.

Flies are also known for leaving dark fecal or regurgitation spots on walls. Most flies do not bite human beings, but some species of these flies may bite reptiles and birds.