Sydney is swarming with an explosion of flies, and it's not just a summer fling. Experts say the city has forgotten what all the buzz is about, but actually, spring is bringing back the fly population in force.
According to entomologist Tanya Latty at the University of Sydney, the culprit behind the sudden surge in flies is largely one species: the Australian bush fly. These pesky insects are attracted to moisture and electrolytes, making human sweat, tears, and even eyes a tasty treat. They're more than just a nuisance - they also drink your sweat and enjoy the nectar from people's mouths.
However, wind patterns linked to record-breaking heat last week may be to blame for the rapid increase in fly numbers. Dan Bickel, an Australian Museum entomology expert, suggests that winds from the interior can drive flies into populated areas "overnight." This is because bush flies breed in dung-rich environments and then migrate on the wind.
Bryan Lessard, a Canberra-based entomologist, notes that wet weather followed by warm temperatures creates the perfect conditions for fly hatching. Sydney hosts multiple generations of flies during spring and summer, making it not just one big burst but a cyclical hatching cycle.
But why do flies matter to the environment? Latty emphasizes that insects, including flies, are cold-blooded creatures whose metabolism is tied to the weather. Many slow down or disappear in colder months, only to emerge again when the weather warms up. In fact, many species of flies are pollinators for crops and native plants.
Lessard also highlights the importance of native fly species that don't pose a threat to humans but are essential workers in nature. Without them, our ecosystems would suffer greatly.
So, the next time you swat at a fly or shoo one away, remember: they're not just pests - they're tiny creatures doing their part to pollinate and thrive in the world around us.
According to entomologist Tanya Latty at the University of Sydney, the culprit behind the sudden surge in flies is largely one species: the Australian bush fly. These pesky insects are attracted to moisture and electrolytes, making human sweat, tears, and even eyes a tasty treat. They're more than just a nuisance - they also drink your sweat and enjoy the nectar from people's mouths.
However, wind patterns linked to record-breaking heat last week may be to blame for the rapid increase in fly numbers. Dan Bickel, an Australian Museum entomology expert, suggests that winds from the interior can drive flies into populated areas "overnight." This is because bush flies breed in dung-rich environments and then migrate on the wind.
Bryan Lessard, a Canberra-based entomologist, notes that wet weather followed by warm temperatures creates the perfect conditions for fly hatching. Sydney hosts multiple generations of flies during spring and summer, making it not just one big burst but a cyclical hatching cycle.
But why do flies matter to the environment? Latty emphasizes that insects, including flies, are cold-blooded creatures whose metabolism is tied to the weather. Many slow down or disappear in colder months, only to emerge again when the weather warms up. In fact, many species of flies are pollinators for crops and native plants.
Lessard also highlights the importance of native fly species that don't pose a threat to humans but are essential workers in nature. Without them, our ecosystems would suffer greatly.
So, the next time you swat at a fly or shoo one away, remember: they're not just pests - they're tiny creatures doing their part to pollinate and thrive in the world around us.
, I'm so over these flies! They're everywhere in Sydney right now 
. Like, can't we just have a quiet day without them buzzing around our heads? 
But seriously, I guess they do play a role in pollination and all that... 
Still, can't we find a way to coexist with them without swatting at them every 5 seconds? 
but seriously, like didnt we learn anything from all those documentaries about bees and how important they are for pollination? 
same thing with flies! they might be pesky but they play a role in our ecosystem too... and btw, can someone pls explain why humans sweat is like a tasty treat for flies?! 
anyway, back to sydney - i heard its like a fly paradise right now lol. the aussie bush fly is like the ultimate party crasher tho 
. anyhoo, i guess those record-breaking heat winds last week had something to do with it... makes sense that theyd drive flies into populated areas. and yeah, wet weather & warm temps = fly hatching cycle 
! I mean, I get it, spring is back and all that jazz... but seriously, who needs 100s of flies buzzing around your head? Like, can't they just chill for a sec? On the other hand, I guess they're kinda cool in their own weird way. Did you know that some fly species are actually pollinators? 
That's wild! And Tanya Latty is right, they do matter to the environment... I mean, we need those tiny creatures buzzing around, doing their thing... but still, can't we just enjoy a peaceful day out without all the buzz? 
anyway, its pretty cool that they do have a role in pollination, like literally tiny little superheroes 
. and can u believe there r even native fly species that dont bother ppl? 
gotta respect the little guys 
. And let's be real, they're not just any old fly species... like the Aussie bush fly 
. They drink our sweat, for cryin' out loud! It's like they're tryin' to take advantage of us or somethin' 
. So, next time you see a fly buzzin' around your head, just remember - they're not just a nuisance, they're tiny superheroes 
.