How Old Do Flies Live?
WouterIf you’re wondering how old flies are, you’re not alone. They’re one of the most frequently encountered creatures in our houses, and it may surprise you to learn how old they can be. There are many species of flies, but the most common one is the housefly. The evolution of the housefly can be traced back to the Cenozoic Era. These insects first evolved in the Middle East, but have since spread around the globe.
Female flies lay up to 500 eggs during their lifetime. These eggs will eventually develop into full grown flies. The life cycle of flies is similar for most species. During their larval stage, they feed on protein to survive the pupal stage. The pupal stage takes about seven to ten days. In this phase, the flies will develop six legs, compound eyes, and wings.
Unlike other insects, flies do not spend winter outside. In fact, some species of flies migrate to warmer climates during winter. That’s why flies spend the winter as larvae, hiding in warm places. Then, they hatch out of their eggs and begin their adult life in warmer climates.
Although the average lifespan of houseflies is about twenty-five days, they can live longer in warm and humid environments. However, they are also susceptible to invasions, so it is important to follow proper precautions to prevent fly infestations.
