What Phylum Do Flies Belong To?

Flies are members of the phylum Diptera. They have two life stages, adult and pupa. Adults live for 15 to 25 days. In colder environments, they may survive for as long as three months. Adult flies require food to survive and copulate. The process takes between two and fifteen minutes, and food is essential for both the male and female flies. Flies also need protein in their diet, which cannot be obtained from manure.

Diptera include flies with a mobile head, large compound eyes, and suctoral mouthparts. They also have variable antennae and can mimic many different insect species. Flies have feathery or thread-like antennae. They feed on plants, soil, and rotting vegetation.

Flies are found throughout the world, except Antarctica, and are considered the largest threat to human health. Many species are herbivorous, but many are predators or parasites. Some species specialize in feeding on flies, but most eat them as part of a mixed diet. Some of the most important predators of flies include birds, bats, and frogs and toads.

Most flying insects have four wings, but true flies have two pairs of wings. Their hind wings, or halteres, function as balance organs and provide fine control during flight. All flies are attracted to moist organic matter, but filth flies can be harmful to humans.