True Flies (Order Diptera)

Insects of the order Diptera, the true flies, are a large and diverse group that includes midges, no-see-ums, gnats, mosquitoes, and all manner of flies. Diptera literally means "two wings," the unifying characteristic of this group.

Mosquitoes bite people on six continents, and you can probably recognize one when it lands on your arm. Mosquitoes belong to the family Culicidae, in the order Diptera, the true flies. This article describes the mosquito's defining characteristics, its life cycle, and its habits.

Here are 10 things you didn't know about mosquitoes.

We all know a human mosquito magnet – the one person in the group who seems to get all the mosquito bites. Want to know how they do it? Here are 10 ways to guarantee you'll get the most mosquito bites at your next outdoor party.

You probably can't think of one good thing to say about mosquitoes. They're annoying, they bite, and they carry deadly diseases. But they must be good for something, right? What good are mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are nowhere to be found in winter, but reappear in force each spring as if by magic. Where do mosquitoes go in winter, and how do they reappear so quickly in spring?

People once thought insects like fruit flies appeared by magic overnight, a theory called spontaneous generation. While it might seem like this is the case, fruit flies do come from somewhere. Learn what causes fruit flies.

Are you waging a fruitless battle against fruit flies in your home (pun intended)? Try following these 10 tips for getting rid of fruit flies.

Are you battling fruit flies in your kitchen? Once they get in, it's hard to get rid of fruit flies. This simple vinegar trap works wonders on a fruit fly infestation.

Flies are common pests in the home and yard, but they do pose a health risk. A single house fly can carry over one million bacteria on its body. Control of filth flies involves good sanitation practices supplemented with barriers and traps.

If you drive through a swarm of Florida lovebugs, you'll know it. These insects are known as a nuisance along Florida roads. What are Florida lovebugs?