Flyene

Flyene, or the flies, are insects in the order Diptera. Diptera means two wings, with the hindwings reduced to halteres that help balance. The order is highly diverse, with over 120,000 described species and many more likely to exist. Flies occupy nearly every terrestrial and freshwater habitat and play varied ecological roles.

Anatomy and life cycle: Flies undergo complete metamorphosis, passing through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Eggs are laid in a suitable substrate; larvae (maggots) feed on decaying matter, plant tissue, or living hosts. Pupation often occurs in a protective puparium. Adults have short lifespans and vary in mouthparts, from nectar feeding to blood-feeding in some species.

Ecology and interactions with humans: Flies act as decomposers and as prey, and some contribute to pollination. Many species are pests or vectors of disease; well-known examples include mosquitoes, houseflies, and fruit flies. In medicine and forensics, Diptera are studied for disease transmission and for estimating post-mortem intervals.

Taxonomy and research: Diptera is divided into subgroups such as Nematocera and Brachycera, which differ in antennae and other traits. Drosophila melanogaster is a widely used model organism in genetics and developmental biology. Ongoing research highlights the diversity and ecological roles of fly species worldwide.