
ENT 532 (2024): Flesh fly
This fly was observed resting on the edge of a decomposing animal carcass, its dark gray body striped with longitudinal black lines glinting in the afternoon sunlight. The fly moved in short, jerky bursts, pausing frequently to extend its proboscis and feed on the oozing fluids. Its compound eyes darted rapidly, scanning its surroundings for threats or competitors. Nearby, another fly landed, prompting a brief confrontation as they circled each other before the newcomer moved to another part of the carcass. This interaction suggested a competition, possibly over prime feeding or egg-laying sites. The flesh fly occasionally moved to the soil near the carcass, where its ovipositor dipped briefly into the substrate, hinting at egg-laying activity. This behavior raised questions about their role in decomposition. How do environmental factors, like moisture levels or temperature, influence their choice of oviposition sites? Could minor manipulations, such as introducing alternative protein sources nearby, divert their activity?
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Work Title | ENT 532 (2024): Flesh fly |
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License | CC BY 4.0 (Attribution) |
Work Type | Image |
Publication Date | November 28, 2024 |
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DOI | doi:10.26207/ym17-6m45 |
Deposited | November 28, 2024 |
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