Humpedback Flies (Phorid)

DESCRIPTION

Phorid or humpbacked flies, light brown to black in colour. They are quite easily distinguished by their “humpbacked” appearance or the rounded shape of the top of their thorax.  Adult Phorid Flies have the peculiar habit of running rapidly along surfaces instead of immediately flying when disturbed.  Like ferment flies they are often a nuisance in office situations, however they can be distinguished from ferment flies, being smaller and lacking the ‘red eyes’.

As with the other flies, specimens for identification with a hand lens can often be found on window sills.

HABITAT

Larvae live in decaying organic materials often found in unsanitary areas in food handling premises.  Phorid flies will also breed in any moist decaying organic matter trapped in floor tile joints, gaps in kitchen equipment or under base of equipment where it meets the floor.  Food debris is often forced under equipment when cleaners use hoses to wash down floors in commercial kitchens.

Other sites where Phorid flies may be found include garbage disposals, industrial and recycle bins, in rotting meat and vegetables, in over watered soil in potted plants, terrariums, indoor gardens and fresh floral arrangements.

Phorid flies prefer rotting, decaying organic materials, whereas Ferment flies are more attracted to fresh fruit that is fermenting.

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humpbacked fly