Summer 2015: flies and insects on the increase in Australia

Australia, especially in summer, is known for its wide variety of insects, particularly flies. However, record heat and spring rains have enabled insects, especially flies and mosquitoes, to flourish (Sydney Morning Herald, January 10-11, 2015).

There are two main species of flies in Australia: the housefly (Musca domestica) and the bush fly (Musca vetustissima) – commonly called the blowfly. Many Australians would say that there is a third main species: the barfly (a person who drinks alcohol in a bar)!

House flies are attracted to food and are usually found indoors. Bush flies, found outdoors, are attracted to sweat (animals and humans) and meat juices. Forensic entymologist and associate professor James Wallman of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Wollongong says that female bush flies drink sweat to ensure the growth of her eggs. Hence bush flies need the moisture in sweat.

Mosquitoes are also on the increase due to the hot weather. They also like water, which is ideal for breeding. Therefore the heavy spring rains in Sydney have resulted in significantly increased mosquito numbers.

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