why do small flies fly in perpetual circle at the centre of a room when they are in a closed space?
445484
They are likely following air currents-Flies dont think about where they are going-they dont really "think" at all, in terms of making decisions.  THey just have simple reactions to ari currents, heat, light, and chemical sensations (food)-If they are circling, its because there are air current moving in a circular motion, and they are following those.
334289
I assume you mean a fly in the car with you.\n\nThe reason is inertia.  You, the car, the fly, and all of the air in the car share the same inertia, which means relative to each other, you are motionless.  Open a window, and inertia and air pressure differentials will circulate air through the car, and hopefully suck the little bugger out so you can drive in peace.
40673
Surface tension, or the attraction of water molecules sideways and inwards at the surface of the water, cause water to act like an elastic trampoline. This lets the animal float without breaking the surface.\n\nTo propel itself forward, the insect's feet must push water backward (for every action of the bug there is an equal and opposite reaction on the water). The rowing action of the legs produces miniature vortices (whirlpools) which move backward from the bug's feet.
61716
The air inside the vehicle is moving the same speed as the vehicle. To the fly it's still air, unless a window is open, then the fly may not be able to fly normally.
1014709
I have never heard of this...I don't think that the fly is doing it consciously.\nI do believe it is a random pattern, but I could be mistaken
188819
Air inside the car is travelling at the same speed as the car. So for a fly, the car is not moving.\n\nThe Earths rotates at a speed of 1000 miles/h at the equator. If you jump why don't you fall miles away? The answer is the same, the Earth is the car and you are the fly.
969782
(m)\n\nCharacteristics\n\nPhorid flies, also known as humpbacked flies, are small  and resemble fruit flies in appearance.  The Phorid fly lacks the red eye color that is the classic trademark of the fruit fly.  Phorid flies are in the small category of flies, measuring up to 1/8 inch in length, including the wings. Color:  Tan brown with black eyes; small head; a severely arched (humpbacked) thorax when viewed from the side.\nBehavior\n\nThe most easily recognized feature (seen with the naked eye) is the habit of the adult Phorid fly running rapidly across surfaces instead of immediately flying when disturbed.   Most flies immediately take flight.  \nPhorid flies are common in homes and commercial facilities where food is prepared and served, but they are also a key pest in  food warehouses, and hospitals. Because these flies frequent unsanitary conditions, they are a potential health concern when they occur in food facilities and hospitals. Phorid fly larvae have been found in the open wounds of patients in nursing homes and hospitals.  \n\nHabitat\n\nPhorid flies are capable in breeding in more types of materials than any other structure-infesting flies. The reproductive potential of these flies is tremendous and very large numbers of them may appear in a short time.  Adult flies are strong fliers, having been known to travel as far as 6 miles within a 24 hour period.  Phorid flies are found throughout the world. In nature, they are typically associated with dead animals and heavily decaying vegetation. In buildings, they be may found breeding in drains, trash containers, dumpsters, rotting produce, recycle bins, grease traps, garbage disposals, crawlspaces, and any site where moist organic matter can accumulate for a few days or longer.\n\nControl\n\nThe key to controlling Phorid fly infestations is to locate and eliminate their breeding sources.  Although there are several sprays and traps used to kill flies in a home, restaurant or other structure, the infestation cannot be eliminated without eliminating their source.   If you locate a drain that is a breeding ground for Phorid flies, use a foaming drain cleaner to destroy the film in which the fly eggs and larvae are developing.  A surface spray is not recommended in this situation, unless there are great numbers of flies resting on the surface of trash cans, dumpsters or exterior walls.\n\nMany pest professionals have foam generators that will fill drain pipes coating all surfaces for effective Phorid fly control.
104208
I'm pretty sure on a web only some of the web is sticky. The spider just knows where to put its feet. I think... Or maybe its just the opposite of how a fly lands unside down on the ceiling.
1098848
I can't find the source for this now, but my understanding is that they touch the ceiling with their front legs, then do a sort of back-flip.  They take off the opposite way, by dropping so they're hanging by their front legs, then they let go.
1045251
Flies avoid being hit by raindrops, not by dodging them, but by the drop of rain creating a tiny pressure wave ahead (below the raindrop).  This wave pushes the fly sideways and the drop of water misses it.\n\nIncidentally, this is also why fly swatters have holes in the surface, i.e. to reduce the pressure wave - otherwise, flies would escape most efforts to swat them.
500715
I just made it yesterday out of paper and you can't believe it can fly for more than a second... and also you can make living beings sit in it ... ants//// \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI am sorry I don't know the answer to your question. :(
1095282
"When insects fly at night they use light sources such as the moon for navigation. Light from a distant source reaches both eyes with the same intensity. This enables the insect to fly in a straight line with both wings beating at the same rate.\n\nIf the light is from a closer source such as a candle or lantern, it changes the insect's perception. The light is perceived stronger in one eye than in the other eye. This causes the wing on one side to move faster. The insect then begins to approach the light in a spiral path, eventually drawing them into the light itself.\n\nThis attraction to light is a response called Phototaxis.
626205
ok, it would freeze quickly (not explode-it is made of solids and liquids, which don't expand in vacuum). But for fun, assume it doesn't freeze or die of hypoxia.  Since there isn't any air, there is nothing for the wings to beat against, so it would flap it's wings and just stay in the same place- The motion of the wings might cause it to start rotating, though-so I would imagine the fly (which is a magic fly that doesn't dry up, freeze, or need oxygen) would just spin around in a tiny circle right where it is.
284887
Although there is still debate among scientists on this point, most believe moths are attracted to the light because they use the moon to help orient their flights. Such distant points of light allow the insects to fix their flights by maintaining a constant angle to the light source. Artificial lights confuse the insect response, since these lights are so close (an unnatural situation). Trying to maintain the flight angle to these close light sources cause the insects to spiral to the source.
100052
They can go anywhere they won't get wet. This includes places like the bark and leaves of trees, porches, grass, or anywhere else. But I suspect many just die, and it is the babies that live on. Flies don't live very long anyways, and the larva grow up fast. If a generation of flies die, the next will be around in a little bit.
200862
spontaneous generation obviously. \nIn summer they get attracted by fruit odor (esp. rotting fruit, they like alcohol and vinegar odor) and will find it. \nbut you can also get them with your bought fruit (fruit imported from warmer climate), I guess there can be a couple of eggs on the fruit. At least I've seen fruitflies in supermarkets too.
66389
Their navigation method relies on a light source at a great distance -- the sun or moon. If they are flying in a straight line, the angle between their direction of travel and the light source remains constant.\n\nWhen the light source is close, as they fly in a straight line, the angle changes. When they make a navigation correction, they start to circle the light source and spiral into it.\n\nTo see this, suppose at 8:00 tomorrow morning, you go out and walk keeping the sun 45 degrees to the left of your center. Since the sun is in the east, you will pretty much be walking southeast. You can go a long time before the movement of the sun causes you to change your course very much.\n\nThen find a lamp post, keeping it in a position 45 degrees left of center start walking. You won't get very far before you have to turn to your left to keep the lamp post at 45 degrees. As you continue to walk, you will spiral into the post.