Phorid Flies
Phorid flies are not picky and almost any wet area can be used as a breeding location. These humpbacked flies are a serious pest and are a major health concern in many parts of the world.
- Fly Species
- phorid flies, humbacked flies, scuttle flies, coffin flies
- Family: Phoridae
- Locations
- Found Worldwide, especially in the tropics.
- Size
- approximately 1/8 inch (3mm) including the wings.
- Identify
- It has a small head compared to the severe arch or humpbacked thorax.
- Colors range from black or brown to yellowish (tan).
- Lacks the red eyes of a fruit fly, which it is often confused with.
- 2 dark wing veins at the upper edge close to the body while the remaining wing veins are very weak and are not joined by cross veins.
- They tend to move in a short, nervous, jerky manner.
- They also seem to have a peculiar habit of running rapidly along surfaces instead of immediately flying when disturbed.
- Life Cycle
- The entire life cycle averages about 25 days but anywhere from 14-37 days.
- Eggs hatch in 24 hours.
- The larvae feeds for 8 to 16 days before crawling to a drier spot to pupate.
- Breeding
- Any material of an organic nature that remains wet, is a possible breeding location.
- Garbage disposals, rotting meat and vegetables, over-watered soil of potted plants, dirty mops, laundry rooms, septic systems, and animal feces.
- Even ridiculous areas like paint and glue.
- The phorid fly probably have the greatest variety of potential breeding sites of any type of fly.
- Congregation
- Common in mortuaries and masuleums as well as hospitals and other health care facilities.
- Trash areas, Mop closets, laundry rooms
- Wherever moist and decaying matter can be found
- Difficult situations occur when a drain line breaks under floors of large buildings, hospitals, hotels.
- Travel
- Adults are strong fliers and can travel 6 miles within a 24 hour period
- Health Importance
- Because it visits unsanitary areas, phorid flies can potentially transmit bacteria and micro-organisms onto food products.
- How to Kill / Control
- To get rid of phorid flies:
- Eliminate breeding grounds
- Sanitation
- Use Fly Sprays to kill adult flies
- View our Fly Control page for extended information on these methods.
- Extra Info
- The phorid flies have been widely introduced throughout the southern US as a hopeful means of controlling the fire ant, which was accidentally brought here in the 1930s. Certain species of phorid flies reproduce by laying eggs in the thorax of the ants. The hatched larvae then moves and feeds on tissues in the head. After two weeks the ant's head will fall off and the fly continues it's pupation in the ants detached head.
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