passagerflies

Passagerflies, also known as hitchhikers or stowaways, are insects that have evolved to travel on the bodies of other animals, often without the host's knowledge or consent. This behavior is a form of passive transportation, allowing the passagerfly to reach new habitats and avoid predators. The most well-known example of a passagerfly is the botfly, which lays its eggs on the skin of mammals, and its larvae then hitch a ride on the host's body until they are ready to emerge.

Passagerflies are typically small, with some species measuring less than a millimeter in length. They are often wingless or have reduced wings, which makes them less able to fly independently. Instead, they rely on the movement of their hosts to travel long distances. Some passagerflies are parasitic, feeding on the blood or tissues of their hosts, while others are more benign and simply ride along without causing harm.

The behavior of passagerflies is thought to have evolved as a way to increase the chances of survival and reproduction. By hitching a ride on a host, they can reach new habitats and avoid predators that might otherwise be present in their current location. This behavior is also thought to be a way for passagerflies to spread their offspring, as the larvae can emerge from the host's body and lay their own eggs in a new location.

Passagerflies are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. They are particularly common in areas where their hosts are abundant, such as near bodies of water or in areas with high concentrations of mammals. Despite their small size and often parasitic nature, passagerflies play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to spread their offspring and contributing to the overall biodiversity of their habitats.