taz.de
The World of Flies
This text describes the various types of flies, their habitats, feeding habits, and behaviors, including their winter dormancy and reaction to artificial heat.
German
Germany
Germany LifestyleWildlifeNatureBiologyInsectsFlies
Wochentaz
Clara
- What are the two main types of flies and where are they commonly found?
- There are two main groups of flies: "culture followers" that live near humans for food, and wild species found in forests and fields. Common flies in Germany include houseflies, blowflies, and fruit flies.
- What are the characteristics of blowflies and what happens to flies in winter?
- Blowflies are wild flies that live outdoors, feeding on flowers, fungi, and dung. In the winter, flies hide in small crevices, entering a state of dormancy called "winter torpor", waking only on warmer days or when artificial heat is present.
- Describe the feeding habits and typical locations of houseflies and fruit flies.
- Houseflies are culture followers that feed on sweet substances like nectar and are often found near humans. Fruit flies, as their name suggests, feed on fruits, including rotting ones, and are commonly found in compost heaps and indoors.
- Explain why flies might be active indoors during winter despite the cold season.
- The article explains that flies cannot distinguish between natural sunlight warmth and artificial heating, causing them to become active indoors during winter when the heating is on.
- Where do flies live and what distinguishes their living habits from other insects?
- Flies live almost everywhere except for extremely cold regions and deserts. Unlike humans and other insects like honeybees, flies do not have a fixed residence; they stay where they find the most food.