Leslie Massey
Australia is home to a wide variety of flies, with over 7,500 true fly species formally described, and more than 30,000 species in total. While the majority of these flies are harmless and play important ecological roles, some are considered pests and can be a nuisance, particularly during the summer months. One of the most well-known biting flies in Australia is the March fly, which belongs to the family Tabanidae and is known for its painful bites and blood-feeding behaviour. Other biting flies include bush flies, which are native to Australia, and sheep blowflies, which are a significant problem for the sheep industry. While fly bites are generally not dangerous, they can cause allergic reactions and transmit pathogens to certain animals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fly species in Australia | 7,500+ described species, 30,000+ total species |
| Number of biting fly species in Australia | A few |
| Fly species that bite humans in Australia | March flies, mosquito, midges, sand flies, blowflies, house flies, bush flies |
| Fly species that bite animals in Australia | Australian sheep blowfly, March flies |
| Fly species that do not bite | Hover flies |
| Fly species that bite if handled | March fly larvae |
| Time of year flies are most active in Australia | Summer, particularly on clear, sunny days without wind |
| Ways to protect against biting flies | Wear vertical stripes, thicker clothes, insect repellent with DEET, put a towel over your body while napping |
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What You'll Learn
March flies are a diverse group of large blood-sucking flies
March flies, also known as deer flies or horse flies, are a diverse group of large blood-sucking flies. They are called March flies because they are most active during the month of March. With around 4,600 species globally, the tabanid family of flies, which includes horse, deer, and march flies, is the most diverse lineage of blood-sucking insects in the world. About 500 species of these flies are native to Australia, and they can be found everywhere from Mount Kosciusko to sea level.
March flies are known for their painful bites, which can cause severe irritation and blood loss. Only the female march flies bite animals, including humans, as they require a blood meal to produce eggs. The females use their strong, piercing mouthparts to extract blood from their hosts, which can include wallabies, birds, and reptiles, in addition to humans. The bites can be particularly problematic for livestock, as heavy attacks can lead to reduced weight gain and the spread of diseases exotic to Australia, such as surra.
March flies have large, streamlined bodies with prominent eyes that take up most of their heads. Their eyes are composed of individual parts that can be sized or coloured differently, allowing them to filter light and focus more clearly on contrast and shadow. They also have strong and sensitive antennae that can detect carbon dioxide, octenol (found in sweat and urine), and other chemical cues.
While male march flies feed on nectar from flowering plants, the females' need for blood makes them a nuisance to humans and animals alike. Their bites can ruin a day at the beach and cause discomfort for livestock and native wildlife. However, not all march fly species require blood, and some can produce eggs using only nectar and larval resources. Additionally, there is at least one variety of march fly that does not bite people and is known for its beautiful emerald-green eyes and golden-yellow colouration.
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Bush flies are native to Australia
Bush flies, also known as the Australian bush fly or bushfly, are indeed native to Australia. They are a species of fly found all across the country, from the central deserts to the sea and at all altitudes, including mountain tops. They are closely related to the common house fly, but with two stripes on the thorax instead of four.
Bush flies are a nuisance to humans and animals alike. They are attracted to the eyes, mouths, and wounds of both, and can cause skin sores and spread harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and Shigella. They are also known to spread food-borne pathogens such as Escherichia coli. They are a particular annoyance to cattle, entering feedlots in large numbers to feed on their eye and nasal secretions, which has been linked to outbreaks of pinkeye.
The bush fly breeds by laying eggs in animal dung, especially cow dung, which is available in large quantities in grazing areas. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on the dung. After moulting twice, the larvae stop feeding, enter the soil, and turn into pupae. The young fly then develops inside the puparium and emerges from the soil as an adult fly. Seasonal changes in pastures influence dung composition, which in turn affects bush fly numbers.
Bush flies are also known for their ability to migrate en masse. They disappear from the southern parts of Australia during the winter but reappear in large numbers in the spring, carried by warm northerly winds from the north.
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Most flies are not interested in your food
Australia is home to more than 7,500 true fly species, with estimates placing the total number of fly species in the country at over 30,000. Despite their abundance, most flies are not interested in your food. According to nature writer Tanya Loos, the overwhelming majority of flies are too busy performing beneficial tasks to be concerned with ruining your barbecue.
Flies are one of the most diverse animal groups on the planet and play an important role in the food chain. They are a food source for other invertebrates, birds, and bats. Many flies also help keep ecosystems clean by consuming waste materials such as dead animals, dung, and food waste. In commercial settings, the black soldier fly, for example, is grown as a high-protein food source for livestock and is fed on food waste.
While certain fly species, such as the Australian sheep blowfly, can be a nuisance to the sheep industry, and the common house fly is known to land on food, most flies are not interested in human food specifically. The house fly, for instance, is present worldwide and is not unique to Australia.
Some flies, like hover flies, are important pollinators for flowers and vegetables. Their role in pollination contributes to the health and diversity of ecosystems. This focus on performing beneficial tasks means that most flies are not concerned with competing with humans for food.
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Flies are one of the most diverse animal groups
Flies play a crucial role in the food chain, serving as a food source for other invertebrates, birds, bats, and even spiders, which are their most common predator. They also contribute to maintaining ecological balance by helping break down organic matter and cleaning up waste. The larvae of some fly species, known as maggots, are used as fishing bait, as food for carnivorous animals, and even in medicine for cleaning wounds.
Despite their benefits, flies can also be a nuisance, especially in domestic or farm settings. Certain species, such as the Australian sheep blowfly, are considered serious agricultural pests. Additionally, flies can carry pathogens that cause diseases in humans and animals, and they may damage crops by feeding on leaves, stems, and fruits.
Some common fly groups include Crane Flies (Tipulidae), Tachinid Flies (Tachinidae), Hover Flies (Syrphidae), Bee Flies (Bombyliidae), and Robber Flies or Assassin Flies (Asilidae). These groups vary in appearance, behaviour, and ecological impact, showcasing the diverse nature of flies as a whole.
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Insect repellent can help prevent fly bites
While only a few species of flies in Australia bite humans, their bites can cause allergic reactions. The most common biting flies in Australia include bush flies, march flies, and horse and deer flies.
To prevent fly bites, it is recommended to use insect repellents that can be applied directly to the skin. Health authorities in Australia suggest using insect repellents with ingredients like Diethyltoumide (DEET), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and Citriodiol. These products can effectively prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
DEET is one of the most widely used and recommended repellents worldwide and has been shown to have minimal adverse side effects when used as directed. It is important to note that plant-based repellents, such as those containing tea tree oil or other botanical ingredients, may not provide long-lasting protection and may require more frequent reapplication.
NoBites™ is a popular natural insect repellent in Australia that contains Citriodiol, a key ingredient derived from nature, and has passed rigorous safety and efficacy tests. Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent is another effective option, providing a balance between effectiveness and a gentle feel.
In addition to insect repellent, wearing thicker clothes can also help prevent fly bites, as the bites may have difficulty penetrating heavier fabrics.
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Frequently asked questions
While there are more than 30,000 true fly species in Australia, only a few species bite humans. The female March fly, for example, bites any vertebrate it can find.
The main risk to humans from these bites is an allergic reaction, and anaphylaxis is rare.
Biting flies, such as the March fly, have large eyes that make up most of their heads. They are fast and alert, and their bites can penetrate light fabrics.
To protect yourself from fly bites, you can wear vertical stripes, thicker clothes, or insect repellents with DEET.
