Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Fly bubble blowing

Posted by LordV on 28-11-2005 09:08
#19

Kahis wrote:
My take: it's a defensive move. At least grasshoppers and some sawfly larvae use regurgitated food as a weapon. They try to spread the sticky, noxious liquid over the attacker. Flies to often regurgitate when caught or disturbed, which makes me think they may be using a similar defensive strategy.

Jere

Agree with Paul on this, my observations of flies doing this leads me to believe they would actually be wide open to attack, as they are in fact much more approachable when occupied by bubble blowing- they seem to be concentrating so much on what they are doing they become slightly oblivious to the outside world. If true, this would also imply it is an important function because it would seem to have some risk associated with it.
Brian V.

Edited by LordV on 28-11-2005 09:17