Exploring the world of skipper flies can be an eye-opening experience. In this article, we’ll answer the question “What is a skipper fly?” and provide more information about this interesting insect family.
What is a Skipper Fly?
A skipper fly, or Piophila casei (Linnaeus), is a member of the Piophilidae family. The larvae of this fly are commonly known as cheese skippers, bacon skippers, and ham skippers due to their ability to jump several inches into the air. Adults are also known as bacon flies and their larvae as bacon skippers, ham skippers, cheese maggots, cheese hoppers, etc. In the Mediterranean island of Corsica, the local population calls them “salt-flies”.
The Piophilidae family is comprised of several species of flies, but the best-known are the cheese flies. These flies are scavengers, feeding on animal products, carrion, and fungi. In the United States, the cheese skipper is a significant pest of cheese and meats. The larvae of the cheese skipper have also been found in other foodstuffs like bread and fruits.
How to Eliminate Skipper Flies
If skipper flies have infested your home, it’s important to take steps to eliminate them. The first step is to identify and seal any sources of entry. This can include cracks in walls or windows and any other openings that could provide entry to the flies. It’s also important to keep food, especially cheese and other dairy products, stored properly in airtight containers or refrigerators.
In addition, regular cleaning is essential to reduce the presence of skipper flies. Areas that should be cleaned include kitchen counters, stovetops, pantries, and any other areas where food is stored. Vacuuming these areas can help remove any eggs, larvae, or adult flies.
Finally, it’s important to use insecticides to eliminate skipper flies. Many commercial insecticides are available, but it’s important to read the label carefully to ensure that the product is safe for use in your home.
Conclusion
Skipper flies are a common pest that can infest homes and contaminate food. To keep them from entering your home, it’s important to identify and seal any sources of entry, store food properly, and clean regularly. If skipper flies have already infested your home, it’s important to use insecticides to eliminate them.
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What regions are skipper flies native to?
Larvae of Piophila casei can be found on a variety of high-protein substrates, such as salted beef, smoked fish, and animal carcasses (Smith and Whitman 2000). The signs of this species in food include the presence of white eggs, as well as small grooves or indentations made by the first instar larvae in cheeses.
What is a type of aircraft that is capable of sustaining flight?
Skipper butterflies are a large and varied group of flying bugs closely related to true butterflies. There are over 3500 known types of skippers on the planet, and the greatest number of these species can be found in Central and South America’s tropical regions.
How does a skipper fly progress through its life cycle?
Under suitable conditions of food and temperature, the entire life cycle of a cheese skipper may be as brief as 12 days. Generally, the cycle is: Egg 23-54 hours – Larva 14 days – Pupa 12 days – Adult 3-7 days.
What is a cut of meat called a skipper?
The adults will feed on the meat, but they don’t cause as much damage as their larvae, which can take from one to three months to complete their lifecycle, depending on the temperature.