How to identify fliesTo identify flies, it is important to observe their size, shape, color, wing pattern, antenna type, mouthpart structure, and sound. It is also helpful to know their habitat, food source, and life cycle. Some flies can be easily distinguished from other insects, such as bees, wasps, and mosquitoes, by their single pair of wings and halteres. However, some flies can mimic the appearance of other insects, such as hover flies, bee flies, and robber flies, which resemble bees and wasps. In these cases, it is necessary to look closely at the details of their anatomy and behavior to tell them apart.

Flies are insects that belong to the order Diptera, which means two wings. Flies have only one pair of functional wings, unlike most other insects that have two pairs. The second pair of wings is reduced to small knob-like structures called halteres, which help flies balance and maneuver in flight. Flies also have three pairs of legs, two compound eyes, two antennae, and various mouthparts that are adapted for different feeding habits.

There are many types of flies, and they can be classified into different families, genera, and species based on their physical characteristics, behaviors, and sounds. Some of the most common types of flies that people encounter are:

House flies (Family Muscidae): These are the typical flies that are found in and around human dwellings. They are gray or black in color, with four dark stripes on the thorax and a feathery antenna. They have a sponge-like mouthpart that allows them to suck up liquids and soft solids. They are attracted to garbage, feces, rotting food, and other organic matter. They can transmit diseases such as typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and salmonella.

Fruit flies (Family Drosophilidae): These are small, yellowish-brown flies that have red eyes and a rounded abdomen. They feed on ripe or fermenting fruits, vegetables, and other sugary substances. They are often seen hovering around fruit bowls, trash cans, and drains. They can reproduce quickly and infest kitchens and other areas where food is stored or processed.

Drain flies (Family Psychodidae): These are tiny, fuzzy, moth-like flies that have broad wings and long antennae. They breed in moist and organic-rich environments, such as drains, sewers, septic tanks, and compost piles. They feed on bacteria, fungi, and algae that grow in these places. They are usually harmless, but they can cause a nuisance by clogging pipes and producing a foul odor.

Cluster flies (Family Calliphoridae): These are large, dark gray or black flies that have a metallic sheen and golden hairs on the thorax. They are parasites of earthworms, and they lay their eggs in the soil. They do not feed on human food or garbage, but they seek shelter indoors during the winter. They are often found in large numbers in attics, basements, wall voids, and other dark and cool places. They can stain walls and furniture with their feces and emit a musty smell when disturbed.

Horse flies (Family Tabanidae): These are big, robust flies that have a powerful bite. They are brown or black in color, with large eyes that may have stripes or patterns. They have a knife-like mouthpart that can cut through the skin of animals and humans. They feed on blood, and they are attracted to movement, heat, and carbon dioxide. They are usually active during the day, and they are found near water sources, pastures, and woodlands. They can transmit diseases such as anthrax, tularemia, and equine infectious anemia.