kärpäsistä

Kärpäset are small flying insects belonging to the order Diptera. This order is characterized by having only one pair of functional wings, with the hindwings reduced to small, club-like structures called halteres. These halteres are used for balance during flight. Kärpäset are found worldwide in diverse habitats, from arctic regions to tropical rainforests, and are particularly abundant in areas associated with humans and animals.

The life cycle of a kärpänen typically involves four stages: egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult. The duration of each stage varies greatly depending on the species and environmental conditions, such as temperature and food availability. Many species lay their eggs on decaying organic matter, such as carcasses, feces, or rotting plant material, which serves as food for the developing larvae.

Kärpäset play various ecological roles. Some are important decomposers, helping to break down organic waste. Others are pollinators, transferring pollen between flowers, though their efficiency varies. However, many species are considered pests due to their ability to transmit diseases. Houseflies, for example, can carry pathogens from waste to food and surfaces, posing a public health risk. Some kärpäset are also blood-feeders, biting humans and animals, which can cause irritation and transmit diseases. Their diversity is immense, with tens of thousands of described species, each with unique adaptations and ecological niches.