Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Senses of blood sucking flies

Posted by zcuc on 16-10-2007 14:00
#1

Hi,
Different families of flies sometimes attracted to different part of human/mammal organs. i.e. Hippoboscidae usually attracted to the back or the nape. some Tabanidae attracted to the legs and other to the head...

How does those flies identify there target? Tabanidae has big eyes so maybe see the legs but Hippoboscidae has small eyes how come they different chest from back?

Posted by Xespok on 16-10-2007 16:40
#2

I think most of these bugs rely more on heat and CO2 sensors than their sight. But I could not give you any specific reference for that.

Posted by zcuc on 16-10-2007 20:05
#3

Xespok,
Yes I know but how can they know for example where is the back? if they target hit they can attack any part of the body I don't think the back has any special temperature.