Flies are a group of invertebrates that belong to the Insecta class and the Diptera order, a term that refers to the presence of two wings, since they do not have four as is the case with most the insects. There are several species of flies, which may have not only anatomical differences, but also differences in terms of habitat and the type of food they eat.
Various types of these insects have developed a close relationship with human beings, to the point of generating a dependency on them to feed and reproduce. On our site, we present this article to answer the question why do flies rub their legs Keep reading and find out the answer.
Fly Overview
In order to know the answer to why flies rub their legs together, let's first review some general aspects of flies:
- Body divided into three parts: head, thorax and abdomen.
- Great visual range and quick perception of movement.
- Pair of Wings: Unlike most flying insects, which have four. The hindwings are structures known as h alteres. These are vibrating seesaws that help maintain balance during flight.
- Thin wings: but membranous.
- Different mouthparts: depending on the type of fly we are talking about, such as housefly, blowfly or fruit fly, It has a licking-sucking mouthparts. However, in other types of flies it can be of the perforator type. You can learn about the Types of flies in this post on our site.
- Complex sensory system: Like many other insects such as bees.
- Set of sensitive cells: that allow smells and flavors to be perceived through chemo reception. These sensory cells are located in the sensory pits. In them are some structures called sensilas or sensilias, which are generally in the antennae but can be located in other parts of the body as well. In the case of flies, they are also located on the legs.
- Sexual reproduction: they also carry out the process of metamorphosis. If you are curious to know how flies are born? Feel free to read this article.
- Environmentally Beneficial: While there are several species of flies that carry pathogens that cause illness in people and animals, domestic animals, there are also beneficial flies, since they can be pollinators, participate in the degradation of decomposing matter and form an important part of food webs, serving as food for other animals.
Do flies rub their legs?
As we have mentioned, flies have a complex sensory system, which is extremely useful not only to perceive the odors of a potential food source, but also to escape from the perception of any kind the dangerous.
Now, when asked why do flies rub their legs, the answer has to do with an aspect that may seem a bit strange to you, considering that these are insects that we associate with dirty places or presence of decomposed matter. Flies rub their legs to remove particles that may have accumulated on them. In this sense, when they do so, they remove the dirt that has been adhering, thanks to the fact that these extremities are not completely smooth and have structures similar to bristles, which when rubbed facilitates their cleaning. But they don't just do this with their legs, they can also do it on their heads and antennas
Depending on the species, flies can feed on plants, blood, decomposing animal remains, human waste, and even other insects. For example:
- The house fly (Musca domestica) consumes practically any food found in homes.
- The fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) feeds only on fruits, especially if they are fermented.
- The horn fly (Haematobia irritans) sucks blood from cattle.
- Carnivorous flies, such as those belonging to the Asilidae family, are very aggressive and devour other insects. Here you have more information about What do flies eat?
Flies have a very varied way of feeding depending on the group, as we have been able to read. This means that in many cases, when taking their food, there is matter that ends up adhering to their legs, antennae or body in general. In this sense, if we consider that flies have part of their sensory system on their legs, which is of vital importance, we understand the need for them to remain clean, reason which is why these insects constantly rub them.
These flying insects depend on their senses and part of their sensory system to develop properly. In this way, by placing themselves in certain places to take food, they end up getting dirty, which could reduce the capacity of the aforementioned senses. They need to constantly cleanse themselves for their senses to work properly so they can continue to perceive smells and tastes.
While it is true that flies keep themselves clean, they can be annoying during meals or simply because of their buzzing. If you want to know how to drive away flies, don't hesitate to read this other article on our site that we recommend.
Do all flies rub their legs?
Although you could eventually read why flies rub their hands together, this would not be a correct expression, since flies do not have these, and what they have are legs. Flies have certain traits in which they differ, which are helpful in identifying them. An example of this is the type of oral appliance, as we have mentioned. Even so, they present other features in which they coincide, such as the sensory system. In this sense, all these insects depend on their legs and antennae, mainly for perception, which is why they need to be kept clean. So yes, all flies rub their legs and also clean their heads and antennae.
The extremities of the flies are the organs that have the most contact with the matter or surface where they are placed. This has been verified, since a study by the BBC World[1], managed to show that its legs are the ones that they transfer a greater quantity of microbes from one place to another, so that what we have commented on in previous lines is reaffirmed.
