True Flies
Diptera
Cranefly larvae The site of a stream restoration along almost 5,000 feet of Pope Branch is home to a crane fly larvae in Southeast Washington, D.C., on March 28, 2019. The entire watershed of 1.6-mile Pope Branch falls inside the District of Columbia and feeds into the Anacostia River. The stream was restored in 2016. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
A syrphid fly visits a bloodroot plant growing in the woods at Frostburg State University in Allegany County, Md., on April 20, 2018. Bloodroot is one of the earliest spring ephemeral plants to bloom. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
A fly visits a flower on the property of Cat Gareth on Ouleout Creek in Delaware County, N.Y., on May 29, 2015. The 14-acre property is conserved through the Otsego Land Trust based in Cooperstown. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program) For noncommercial use contact the Chesapeake Bay Program
Diptera, commonly referred to as “true flies,” are a class of two-winged insects such as mosquitos, backflies or horseflies. One of the largest insect orders, it numbers more than 125,000 species.
Appearance
These insects have one pair of flight wings and a pair of modified hind wings called halteres, which are used for balancing. They have large compound eyes and the antennae are variable depending on the species.
Feeding
Adults feed on plant or animal juices or other insects.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The life cycle of a true fly consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The process and duration of these stages varies based on species.
Did You Know?
- The word Diptera comes from the Greek di for 'two' and ptera for 'wings.
- The creatures serve as an abundant food source for many well-loved species and in many cases are even important pollinators.
Sources and Additional Information
- True Flies (Diptera) Smithsonian
- True flies (order Diptera) Oregon State Extension
- Dipteran Britannica
Quick Facts
Species
Native
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Size
True flies range in size from midges of little more than 1 mm to robber flies more than 7 cm long.
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Habitat
True flies are most common in humid, moist environments, but can also be found in deserts, forests, mountains, and even polar regions. They are also common in both fresh and saltwater environments such as lakes, ponds, streams, marshes and swamps.
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Diet
Adults feed on plant or animal juices or other insects.
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Lifespan
Varies based on species. -
Status
Stable
