No, Pseudacteon phorid flies cannot sting or bite because they do not have stingers or biting mouthparts.
Pseudacteon phorid flies, also known as decapitating flies, were imported from South America as biological control agents of imported fire ants.
- They are very small, about the size of a fire ant head, and are hardly noticeable.
- They cannot sting or bite because they do not have stingers or biting mouthparts.
- Pseudacteon phorid flies are not attracted to humans or pets, only to fire ants.
Before they were initially released, tests were conducted to determine if they were attracted to other insects or food items including raw vegetables, fresh fruit, raw meat, prepared foods and even carrion. Pseudacteon phorid flies are attracted only to Solenopsis fire ants. In fact, there are several native species of Pseudacteon phorid flies that attack native fire ants.
Pseudacteon phorid flies should not be confused with other phorid fly species. There are at least 3,000 described species in the family Phoridae, all of which are known as phorid flies even though they have very different life histories. In January 2012, it was reported that the phorid fly Apocephalus borealis attacks honey bees. Pseudacteon phorid flies will not attack honey bees.
Related Questions
- "What happens when the decapitating flies run out of fire ants to eat?"
- "What can we expect from the decapitating (phorid) flies?"
- "Where can I buy phorid flies...?"
Related Articles
Find more information about fire ants in eXtension's Imported Fire Ant Resource Area.
