Flies are generally considered to be one of the most irritating insects, especially when they are buzzing around your head. But have you ever wondered just how big some flies can get? Here are 10 of the biggest flies in the world.
10 Biggest Flies in the World
Below is a list of the 10 biggest flies in the world.
1. Gauromydas heros
The Gauromydas heros is a species of fly that is native to South America. It is the largest fly in the world, with a body length of up to 7 cm (2.8 inches). The Gauromydas heros feeds on decaying flesh, and is often found near carcasses and other sources of rotting meat.
2. Titanus giganteus
The Titanus giganteus is a giant weta that is found on the island of New Zealand. It is the second largest fly in the world, with a body length of up to 6 cm (2.4 inches). The Titanus giganteus is a flightless insect, and is the heaviest insect in the world, weighing in at up to 70 g (2.5 ounces).
3. Tsetse fly
The tsetse fly is found in Africa, and is responsible for transmitting the deadly disease known as sleeping sickness. The tsetse fly is the third largest fly in the world, with a body length of up to 5 cm (2 inches).
4. Mydas fly
The Mydas fly is a species of large robber fly that is found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is the fourth largest fly in the world, with a body length of up to 4.5 cm (1.8 inches).
5. House Fly
The house fly is one of the most common flies found in homes and other buildings. It is the fifth largest fly in the world, with a body length of up to 4 cm (1.6 inches). The house fly is a major vector of disease, and is responsible for transmitting a variety of illnesses, including typhoid fever, cholera, and dysentery.
6. Stomoxys calcitrans
The Stomoxys calcitrans, also known as the stable fly or bite fly, is a species of flies that are found in many parts of the world. It is the sixth largest fly in the world, with a body length of up to 3.5 cm (1.4 inches). The Stomoxys calcitrans is a major pest of livestock, as it feeds on the blood of cows, horses, and other animals.
7. Blow fly
The blow fly is a species of fly that is found in many parts of the world. It is the seventh largest fly in the world, with a body length of up to 3 cm (1.2 inches). The blow fly is a major vector of disease, and is responsible for transmitting a variety of illnesses, including food poisoning and gangrene.
8. Flesh fly
The flesh fly is a species of fly that is found in many parts of the world. It is the eighth largest fly in the world, with a body length of up to 2.5 cm (1 inch). The flesh fly is a major vector of disease, and is responsible for transmitting a variety of illnesses, including food poisoning and anthrax.
9. Black fly
The black fly is a species of fly that is found in many parts of the world. It is the ninth largest fly in the world, with a body length of up to 2 cm (0.8 inches). The black fly is a major vector of disease, and is responsible for transmitting a variety of illnesses, including river blindness and Elephantiasis.
10. Mosquito
The mosquito is a species of fly that is found in many parts of the world. It is the tenth largest fly in the world, with a body length of up to 1.5 cm (0.6 inches). The mosquito is a major vector of disease, and is responsible for transmitting a variety of illnesses, including malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever.
How Big Do Flies Get?
The larvae are white and about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. Females lay eggs in organic material like garbage or decaying vegetation that is rich in food for maggots, which hatch into flies after emerging as adults. Flies can travel up to a mile or two as adults, with some reaching even 20 miles.
Do Large Flies Bite?
Flies often get a bad reputation, but not all of them transmit diseases or bite. In fact, most species are harmless. The next time you see a fly in your horse stable or on your food, know that it’s more likely to just be an annoyance rather than cause any major harm.
Do Flies Have Brains?
While they might not be the smartest creatures, flies actually do have brains. They just don’t work like ours. For example, a fly’s brain is divided into two lobes, while ours has three. The mushroom bodies in a fly’s brain are also larger in proportion to their overall brain size than in mammals. This allows them to better process smell and taste.