Flies first appeared on Earth over 200 million years ago during the Upper Triassic Period. Today, they live everywhere except the Polar Regions and are among the most successful insects on our planet. More than 120,000 fly species have been identified so far. They include robber flies, crane flies, flower flies, soldier flies, and fruit flies.
FRUIT FLIES are smart. For a start—the clue is in the name—they can fly. They can also flirt; fight; form complex, long-term memories of their surroundings; and even warn one another about the ...
Flies are major pollinators, second only to bees and their Hymenopteran relatives. Flies may have been among the evolutionarily earliest pollinators responsible for early plant pollination.
To help break down the different types of flies (and what you need to do to prevent and deal with them), we spoke with Paragon Pest Control and pest management expert Luke Lewis. The vast majority of flies are either filth flies or biting flies.
Flies come in many forms—some bite, some buzz, and some help pollinate your garden. Whether you’re dealing with a pest indoors or spotting a curious insect outdoors, knowing what type of fly you’re seeing can be helpful.
Many other species of insects are called flies (e.g., dragonflies, caddisflies, and mayflies), but their wing structures serve to distinguish them from true flies.
In this guide, you’ll find 21 of the most common fly types found around homes, gardens, farms, and forests. Each section explains how to identify them, where they live, how they reproduce, and whether they pose any risks. 1. House Fly. The house fly (Musca domestica) is one of the most widespread and recognizable flies in the world.