How to Identify Phorid Flies
To the naked eye, phorid flies resemble the common fruit fly, but when you look closer, you will see an arched thorax that gives them a humpbacked appearance. That hump can get them confused with mosquitoes. Most are black or dull brown, but some are yellowish in color. The phorids are a large family of small flies (0.4 – 6 mm) with more than 3500 species worldwide. Other common names for flies in this family include humpbacked, coffin, and scuttle flies. As a group, they have a wide diversity of shape and form, and their larvae gain sustenance from a variety of sources. The smallest fly in the world, the phorid fly is originally from Thailand. This species attacks acrobat ants – developing within the ants’ heads. Other phorid species are known to attack the imported red fire ant, various wasps, bumble bees, and even the beloved honeybee.
Most of the species deposit their eggs in decaying animal or plant material and it is in these instances that they come into conflict with us. Two of the species most frequently found in homes are a humpbacked fly and the scuttle fly. These pests display characteristically short and erratic flight. Adults have a peculiar habit of rapidly running across windows, TV screens, tables, walls, and plant foliage. They are also frequently mistaken for gnats. Phorid fly treatments and control – or any fly – really depends on sanitation fixes and removing attractants. Don’t let a fly exterminator tell you they can handle them without that.Not the fly you have?
Most of the species deposit their eggs in decaying animal or plant material and it is in these instances that they come into conflict with us. Two of the species most frequently found in homes are a humpbacked fly and the scuttle fly. These pests display characteristically short and erratic flight. Adults have a peculiar habit of rapidly running across windows, TV screens, tables, walls, and plant foliage. They are also frequently mistaken for gnats. Phorid fly treatments and control – or any fly – really depends on sanitation fixes and removing attractants. Don’t let a fly exterminator tell you they can handle them without that.Not the fly you have?
