What Flies Are Attracted to Dead Bodies?
WouterMany insect species are attracted to dead bodies for several reasons. The first is the opportunity to feed on decomposing matter. Some families of beetles, called Silphidae, feed on maggots and decomposing remains. Others feed on the eggs of other insects, such as Diptera. These insects are called opportunistic predators.
Dead bodies are a favorite food source for flies and maggots, and many movies and TV shows feature corpses covered in flies. The odor of decaying flesh attracts these insects, and they arrive on a body within five to ten minutes.
Some flies are drawn to dead bodies for several reasons. They may feed on the remains of the dead body before laying their eggs. These flies also check for salt or poison on the body. They may even rob the body of its food. If the corpse is found in a warm climate, the flies may still be attracted to it.
A corpse undergoes several stages of decomposition. Each stage is associated with a distinctive insect fauna. These fauna may vary by region and season, but there is a general pattern. In the first stage, the corpses are contaminated by blow flies and small larvae. During the second stage, moribund tissues are contaminated with gas. The gas makes the carcass bloat and fly maggots will eventually penetrate the body cavity.
Rove beetles are among the insects that feed on the larvae of the common fly. They are usually predatory and feed on dead animal parts. They are also predatory to flies and have powerful jaws. Some species of rove beetles lay eggs in corpses. They then hatch and feed on the tougher parts of the body, such as skin and fur. They are also predators on dead plants and carpets.
