fly

A fly is an insect of the order Diptera, which includes many species. Flies are characterized by a single pair of functional wings and a pair of reduced hindwings called halteres, which provide balance during flight. The common term "fly" also refers to the act of flying.

Most flies are small to medium-sized with a compact body, large compound eyes, short antennae, and wings. Mouthparts are adapted to various feeding habits, from liquids to solid matter. Their life cycle is holometabolous: eggs hatch into legless larvae (maggots), which become pupae and finally winged adults. Development times vary by species and temperature.

Ecology: Flies occupy diverse habitats and play roles in pollination, decomposition, and nutrient cycling. They are also vectors or mechanical carriers of pathogens in some contexts, and certain species can be agricultural pests.

In research and culture, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a widely used model organism in genetics and developmental biology. The housefly Musca domestica is a common pest in urban areas. Management focuses on sanitation, physical barriers, and, when appropriate, chemical controls.