Do Picture-Winged Flies Bite? #1 Answer

Picture winged Flies, as the name suggests, are one of the most handsome-looking specimens of their species. But do picture-winged flies bite?

Flies are among some of the most common insects or pests found in our surroundings. Among them are the picture-winged flies or Ulidiidae.

These are small or mid-sized flies similar to and often easily mistaken for a fruit fly. Their sizes vary anywhere between ¼ to ½ inch and can differ from species to species.

Picture-winged flies do not bite and are not a pest for crops or other plants (indoor or outdoor plants). There are multiple species of the picture-winged fly, numbering over 100 in North America.

But what are these flies? Are they harmful? What is their life cycle? We’ll answer all these questions in the following article. Keep reading!

What Are Picture Winged Flies?

Picture winged flies or Uliididae of the order Diptera (flies) are called so because of the striking patterns found on their wings. While there are several different species of picture-winged flies, the most common one is known as the Delphinia picta.

Most species, including the latter, have a body shape like that of an ant with a strikingly large snout. They can be recognized by the distinct dark bands in black, brown, or yellow patterns on their clear wings.

A picture winged fly’s life cycle is similar to that of most other insects. It develops from an egg and goes through the larval and pupal stages to emerge as a sexually mature winged adult in 45 days and can live up to two months.

Do They Bite?

Even though there are not many known and reported incidents of picture-winged flies biting humans, there is a rare possibility that they may bite. Insects are known to bite for two major reasons – to secure a food source and as a defense when disturbed or distressed.

Since the picture winged fly is an insect, it may bite. But they’re generally not known to bother humans or pets as they don’t feed on blood.

Are They Poisonous?

Picture winged flies are not known to be poisonous. These flies are neither known to attack humans or pets nor do they transmit any kind of diseases. Hence, they can be considered harmless.

Are Picture Winged Flies Harmful in Any Other Way?

Again, while they’re not flies that will particularly attack or bite, they can sometimes cause a nuisance if they appear in swarms around your home.

Generally, adult picture-winged flies can be seen out and about during fall. Because of the drop in outside temperatures, they search for warmer surroundings and may try to sneak indoors looking for the same.

If you see picture-winged flies in large numbers gathering on the structure of your house, it’s best to secure every tiny little space that they can sneak in through.

They won’t damage any outdoor furniture in case you have any, and their numbers will naturally gradually decline as the temperature gets colder further.

What They Eat and Why They Are Beneficial?

Most adult picture-winged flies are often seen around decaying organic materials, such as compost pits and places with rotting vegetation.

This is because adult flies often lay eggs inside rotting fruits or vegetables that may either be on the ground or half buried beneath the soil surface. Their larvae feed on the rotting matter once they hatch.

As a result, adult flies are often seen around garbage dumps and swamps, moist areas which are not in use, and sometimes woodlands.

The Delphinia picta usually does not feed on fresh fruit or vegetables. However, some species of picture-winged flies are known to feed on live plant tissue.

Picture-winged flies are among those creatures in our ecosystem that feed on decomposing material and break it down, thereby lending a hand in cleaning up the environment.

What Are Picture Winged Flies Attracted To?

Since picture-winged flies are known to feed on rotting and decaying plant matter, it can be said that they are attracted to compost pits, and garbage dumps with rotting fruits and vegetables. They can also be attracted by color.

So you can spot picture-winged flies in and around newly painted outdoor spaces. Similarly, if there’s a compost pit in your yard, you can expect to see picture-winged flies in and around the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrap Up

Picture-winged flies are among the most attractive creatures among the family of flies, owing to the striking patterns on their wings.

Generally harmless, these flies can surely cause a nuisance when they congregate in numbers.

If you’re noticing a swarm of adult picture-winged flies around your home, the first thing to do is to secure all entries to the house.

Do not forget to pack all corners and gaps to avoid infestation indoors. Thank you for reading this article.