Are there giant flies in Australia?

Question

I love Australia and I think I will spend next July, August and September over there as an exchange student...

Some people told me that there is a particular kind of fly that is very big... Is that true? How much is it big?

Answer 1

Yes there are some big ones, but more in Summer. They are known as blow flies. In country area's & Canberra there are a lot more than big cities.

In Winter though you hardley see them.

Answer 2

I live in Australia.  During the summer months we have LOTS of flies.  Most are about the same size as the regular house fly that you see all over the world.  You'll also see the occasional "blow-fly", they're a bit bigger than the house fly and they make quite a loud buzz.  These are more annoying than anything.  

I think perhaps the "giant fly" you're talking about is the horse fly.  They can grow up to 3cm (over an inch) long, and they BITE!  But don't be afraid - we don't get too many of these in the cities - I cannot remember the last time I saw one, except when I was in the country a few years ago.

Check out this site for the full lowdown on Australian flies and mosquitoes: http://www.faunanet.gov.au/wos/group.cfm...

Answer 3

July, August are winter months and September is early spring, so you should miss out on the flies, both big and small.

Fizzychip is right about horseflies being quite large, about twice the size of blowflies and they do bite.

But you don't see them very often and almost never in cooler times of the year.

We get them occassionally in summer but we do live near some stables  and we're not in the big city.

I hope you have a great time here.

I hate flies too, and that's one of the few good things about the cooler months NO FLIES.

Answer 4

near the coast less flies. I liveon the gold Coast and very seldom get one inside, they are not big. The big blow flies are rather rare to see. But parts of Australia especially out back there are millions of flies. they are small and stick to you they love going for your face,up your nose and down your throat. some people wear nets on their face out doors. They say your not an Aussie till you've swallowed one. Yuk I have and heaved until I was sick, but don't worry, if your not going outback in the hot weather I wouldn't worry about them. There is also the March fly or horse fly more of them in the Country and they can give you a nip but Your not likely to see them either, winter your not likely to see flys except on the odd occassion. We have plenty of birds and they help to keep the fly population away. My biggest hate is cockroaches and mosquitos but you can keep them away

Answer 5

Flies as big as Magpies, true.