Fly Resources

How To Identify Flies

Flies display a diverse array of physical characteristics, but they share some common features that distinguish them from other insects. One of the most distinctive traits is their two-winged appearance. These wings are typically transparent and veined, allowing for agile and rapid flight. Flies also have large compound eyes that often occupy a significant portion of their head, providing them with excellent vision. Their antennae vary in shape and length, with some being short and inconspicuous, while others are longer and more prominent. Most flies have a relatively small body, often oval or elongated in shape, and their coloration can range from dull and inconspicuous to striking patterns and metallic hues. Fies possess mouthparts designed for sponging or piercing, depending on their feeding habits, such as the proboscis of a mosquito or the sponging mouthparts of a housefly.