Cheese Flies

CHEESE FLIES

The species known as “cheese flies” are the best-known members of the family Piophilidae. This family of flies are scavengers of animal products, carrion, food products and fungi. They are sometimes useful in in forensic entomology and medical entomology.

The cheese fly, Piophila casei, is a small species, about four mm (1/6 inch) long. The fly’s larvae infest cured meats, smoked or salted fish, cheeses, and carrion. The mature larva is about 1/3 inch long and is sometimes called “the cheese skipper” because of its leaping ability – When disturbed, this tiny maggot can hop some six inches into the air. Adults are also known as “bacon flies” and their larvae as “bacon skippers”, “ham skippers”, “cheese maggots”, “cheese hoppers”, etc.

The adult cheese fly’s body is black, blue-black, or bronze, with some color on the head, antennae, and legs. The wings are faintly iridescent and lie flat upon the fly’s abdomen when at rest. At 1/6 inch long, the fly is smaller than the common housefly.

The waltzing fly, Prochyliza xanthostoma, occurs in Northern America and is in the same family as the cheese fly. It is one of the carrion-feeding Piophilidae and is remarkable for its sexual dimorphism and its patterns of behavioral adaptation and associated morphological adaptations. In particular the antennae, forelegs and heads of the males are adapted to their behavior in combat and courtship.

The waltzing fly breeds in early spring, specifically on the carcasses of moose. By mid-spring of a good year, they are one of the most abundant insect species in the local forests. Nubile females bask on vegetation around carcasses, and males aggregate in their sun to court and to defend territories. Two competing males will fight, each striking the other with his head and antennae. Such fights may last for several minutes, a long conflict for such small creature.

EXPERTS IN PEST CONTROL SINCE 1970!

Enter your information or call
(816) 279-2000

By clicking “GET ESTIMATE” I authorize Preferred Pest Control to contact me at this number. I understand I am not required to make a purchase.

PREFERRED PEST CONTROL

At Preferred Pest Control & Home Inspections, we offer comprehensive indoor and outdoor pest extermination and treatment services to stop infestations at their source. Our qualified exterminators are equipped to inspect your home environment, identify the scope of the problem, and determine the best course of action to eliminate those unwanted pests.

And when you hire us, you’ll benefit from our:

  • Reasonable pest extermination rates.

  • Easy, convenient appointment scheduling.

  • Dedication to your safety and comfort.

If you think you might have a pest problem, don’t wait to get help. Call today for more information or to request an estimate.

As the leading pest extermination provider in NW Missouri and NE Kansas, we're equipped to handle any pest that may pop up and protect your property from future problems.

AREAS WE SERVICE

servicemap

Atchison, KS

Cameron, MO

Gower, MO

Kansas City, MO

King City, MO

Maryville, MO

Mound City, MO

Oregon, MO

Savannah, MO

St. Joseph, MO

Troy, KS

Hiawatha, KS

If you don't see your city on the map, that doesn't mean we can't service your area. Please contact us if you have any questions.