Curious Cases
13. The Fastest Fly
Jan 4, 2025
Dr. Erica McAlister, the esteemed 'fly lady' and entomologist, teams up with Professor Graham Taylor from Oxford, a specialist in animal flight dynamics. They dive into the astonishing speeds of horseflies—could they really hit 90 mph? The duo defends these often-maligned insects, discussing the bizarre fact that some don't even have wings. They also explore how horseflies could inspire advances in drone technology. Packed with humor and science, this conversation sheds light on the remarkable world of flies.
29:51
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Quick takeaways
- There are over 7,000 fly species in the UK, illustrating their vast diversity and adaptability, including some that evolved without wings.
- Contrary to sensational claims, horseflies fly at speeds around 13 to 22.5 mph, providing insights for engineering flying machines through insect flight mechanisms.
Deep dives
The Fascinating Diversity of Flies
There are more than 7,000 species of flies in the UK alone, outnumbering all mammals on the planet. This number is likely an underestimate, as many tiny, undiscovered species contribute to the vast diversity of flies. Some fly species, remarkably, have evolved to live without wings, which challenges conventional notions about insects. For instance, the New Zealand bat fly is a notable example of a wingless fly, emphasizing the varied adaptations within this group of insects.
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