You have probably heard the widespread rumor that a fly only lives 24 hours. However, this is not so. There are many things that depend on the life cycle of these insects. The fly is one of the oldest insects and it is thought that they already existed when human beings were in prehistoric times and were engaged in hunting and gathering.
In this article we will explain how long does a fly live, what its life cycle is and what curiosities it has, as well as interesting facts about other types of flies, factors that influence their longevity and their impact on the ecosystem.
Life expectancy and real life
Although flies are thought to only last one day, this is not the case. The statement is completely false and a widespread myth.. We must bear in mind that, as with all living beings, life expectancy is one thing and what we actually live is another. Life expectancy can be defined as the maximum amount of time that a living being can live under optimal conditions. As we know, conditions are not always like this.
Although technology has made it easier for us to cure ourselves of various diseases, it is still too early to say that we have complete immunity. In fact, new diseases emerge every day that we cannot fight off. Both diseases and dangerous events, such as a possible accident, can make our lives shorter than our life expectancy dictates. The same is true for flies.
The life expectancy of a fly in optimal conditions can be between 15 and 31 days, contrary to the common belief about 24 hours. However, other factors such as temperature, food and the presence of predators can greatly influence their real life.
Just like humans, flies face constant dangers that can reduce their longevity. For example, if a fly gets caught between several panes, It will not last as long as it should liveThis is the same thing that can happen to us if we suffer a fatal accident.
Life cycle of a fly
The life cycle of a fly is divided into four main stages. Below we explain each of them:
- Egg: The life cycle begins when the fly lays its eggs, usually in places with decaying organic matter such as rotting food, feces or animal carcasses. The eggs are tiny, white and barely visible to the naked eye. Under optimal conditions, the eggs take between 8 and 24 hours to hatch.
- Larva or worm: After hatching, larvae emerge, which are also called maggots. These larvae feed voraciously on the matter in which they were laid. This stage lasts between 3 and 7 days, during which the larva will experience several changes in size as it grows.
- Pupa:After completing their period as a larva, flies enter the pupal stage. During this phase, the larva stops feeding and becomes encapsulated in a protective shell. In this stage, which can last between 3 and 6 days, the fly transforms into a fully formed adult.
- Adult:Finally, the fly emerges from the pupa as a fully developed adult insect. This is the phase in which they reproduce and have the most interaction with humans. Adult flies live between 15 and 31 days, depending on environmental conditions.
It is important to note that flies of other species, such as drain flies or horseflies, may have different life cycles and lengths. For example, the horsefly may live only a few days in its adult phase, while some drain flies can survive for over a year in their larval form. Generally, the housefly completes its life cycle in about two weeks.
In addition, reproduction is a key factor in the life cycle of flies. During its short lifespan, a single female fly can lay up to 8,000 eggs, placing them in places with abundant decomposing organic matter to ensure the survival of the larvae.
Flies curiosities
Despite being considered annoying insects, flies have impressive abilities. For example, A common fly can beat its wings about 200 times per second. and fly at a speed of about 7 km/h. In addition, they are also known for their ability to evade rapid movements. They have eyes composed of thousands of individual facets that process images at a speed six times faster than that of humans, which allows them to perceive danger more quickly.
Another interesting curiosity is that Flies can smell and taste through their legs, which is crucial for finding the right food for themselves and their larvae. If a fly lands on a good food, it quickly detects it and uses its mouthparts to start licking it.
Finally, an adult female is able to lay up to 500 eggs at a time and up to 8000 in their lifetimeThis is what makes fly control so difficult, as even if we kill large numbers of flies, the breeding cycle can continue rapidly.
Positive impact of flies
Despite the inconvenience they cause to humans, flies have a considerable positive impact on ecosystems. One of their main functions is to decomposition of decaying organic matter, such as feces and corpsesFly larvae are primarily responsible for this process, as they feed on these residues, helping to accelerate decomposition and preventing the accumulation of organic matter.
In addition, flies play an important role in the food chainThey are prey to other animals, including birds, spiders, amphibians and even some species of carnivorous plants.
Another function that flies perform in some ecosystems is pollinationAlthough not as effective as bees, some fly species do contribute to the pollination of certain plants. In greenhouses, tachinid flies are specifically bred for the pollination of crops such as onions and other cruciferous plants.
Throughout history, flies have also been used in maggot therapy to treat infected wounds. The larvae of some species are capable of devouring dead tissue in chronic wounds, which helps to speed healing and prevent serious infections.
Thanks to their ability to break down organic matter and feed other species in the food chain, flies are a key part of the balance of many terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, although they are a nuisance in our immediate environment, it is important to recognize their ecological importance.
As we have seen, a fly can live between 15 and 31 days, much longer than we usually think. During this time, it goes through various life stages and performs essential functions in its environment. Flies are much more than just annoying insects, and their role in decomposing organic matter and forming part of the food chain is key to the balance of many ecosystems.