Types of Flies
With over one hundred and fifty thousand Diptera species, divided into over one hundred families, a proper categorization of different types of flies would necessarily be an encyclopedic endeavor.
A less systemic approach to Diptera often begins by thinking about them in terms of their relationship to humans. In that sense, many flies are often labeled as disease spreading pests. Mosquito transmission of West Nile virus for example, presents an ongoing challenge to public health officials.
Biting flies such as horse flies and deer flies may be less dangerous, but no less an annoyance to anyone who has ever been bitten.
A one size fits all approach to categorizing flies as pests makes little sense. Flower flies, for example, might fit into the flies as our friends category. Many species of flower fly larvae feed on aphids, making flower flies a beneficial addition to any garden.
In the natural world, many flies have figured out that being a fly is not necessarily the greatest thing since sliced bread. Bee Flies, Robber Flies, Syphrid Flies and Thick-headed Flies, for example, can be labeled as mimics, or flies that have evolved to look like bees and wasps, probably for defensive purposes.
The links in the box on the right point to pictures and descriptions of a representative sample of flies commonly found in backyards, fields and forests around the United States.
Most species associated with these families share similar physical characteristics, and the pictures provided can be used to help with general fly identification.
© 2005-2008 Patricia A. Michaels