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iStudy Flies - Flies in General: Frequency and Distribution


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FLIES IN GENERAL

Frequency and Distribution

It is probably of no great surprise to find the entomologist (insect scientist) asserting that flies are the most widespread of all insects -- earthwhich they are. Every continent and climate has flies. Swampy areas generally have a good population of mosquitoes, deer flies, black flies, and biting midges. Flies are found on every continent; including, Antarctica, where Antarctica's only native winged insect, the midge Parochlus steinenii has restricted distribution, and the wingless midge Belgica antarctica can be found in moist moss near Cerro Negro, according to the Scientific Committee on Antarctica Research.
[18] Of course, the fly must have some kind of plant or organic matter on which to feed; so, when their food source is plentiful, the flies will be plentiful.

Flies are known to remain active at temperatures as low as 14° F (-14° C), i.e., the snow fly, and the larvae of the petroleum fly lives in pools of crude petroleum.
[19] Though it is now believed by scientists to be impossible, entomologist C. H. T. Townsend in 1926 estimated the Deer Bot fly (Cephanomvia pratti) to be able to attain a speed of 818 miles per hour (1,316 kilometers per hour). Whatever the case, he believed the Deer Bot fly to be fast! [20] Some flies are blood suckers, such as the sand fly (Phlebotominae). Mothlike in appearance, sand flies can be found inhabiting organic matter in animal burrows, termite hills, and tree holes. They are found mainly in the tropics, with a few species in temperate regions. [21]


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