Insect behavior - Ask Extension
I noticed a change in the behavior in house flys. Usually they come in the house this time of year, flying very fast and are hard to kill. Now they...
Knowledgebase
Insect behavior #876132
Asked July 06, 2024, 4:28 PM EDT
I noticed a change in the behavior in house flys. Usually they come in the house this time of year, flying very fast and are hard to kill. Now they're acting like it like it is fall try to find places to hide, moving slower and are easy to kill. Has anyone else noticed this?
Isabella County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Mary, I have not heard any research-based information about a change in the behavior of houseflies this summer. Insect behavior is a little out of our area of expertise, unless they are damaging plants.
However, I was able to find this bit of information online posted by Quora. We do not mean to suggest that this information is factual; however, it made a little sense to me and might help you answer your questions about houseflies.
"The size and behavior of houseflies can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as genetics, diet, and environmental conditions. Some species of houseflies are naturally larger and slower-moving than others, for example, the common housefly (Musca domestica) is typically larger and slower than the lesser housefly (Fannia canicularis). On the other hand, the size and behavior of a housefly can also be affected by its diet. For example, if a housefly has access to a lot of food, it may
become larger and more sluggish. Additionally, environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity can also impact the size and behavior of houseflies. Overall, a combination of genetic, dietary, and environmental factors can influence the size and behavior of houseflies."
However, I was able to find this bit of information online posted by Quora. We do not mean to suggest that this information is factual; however, it made a little sense to me and might help you answer your questions about houseflies.
"The size and behavior of houseflies can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as genetics, diet, and environmental conditions. Some species of houseflies are naturally larger and slower-moving than others, for example, the common housefly (Musca domestica) is typically larger and slower than the lesser housefly (Fannia canicularis). On the other hand, the size and behavior of a housefly can also be affected by its diet. For example, if a housefly has access to a lot of food, it may
become larger and more sluggish. Additionally, environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity can also impact the size and behavior of houseflies. Overall, a combination of genetic, dietary, and environmental factors can influence the size and behavior of houseflies."
Disclaimer: Michigan State University Extension has no affiliation with Quora and cannot substantiate anything they post online.
