Why Do Flies Rub Their Hands Together? Cleaning Their Taste Sensors to Find Their Next Meal

Aug 6, 2023 | Wildlife and Nature

Flies rubbing their hands together, or more accurately, their forelegs, is not a sign of cleanliness or good hygiene. In fact, there is a fascinating reason behind this behavior. Flies have taste receptors not only on their mouths, but also on their forelegs. These receptors allow them to explore their environment and assess if a potential food source is worth investigating. When flies land on a surface, they rub their forelegs together as a way to clean their taste sensors, ensuring they are free from debris and ready to be used for evaluating the taste of food. This behavior is essential for their survival, as it enables them to efficiently identify and locate sources of food. Studies have shown that flies are particularly attuned to sweet and sugary substances, so it is not uncommon to see them rubbing their forelegs together after landing on something sweet or potentially nutritious. So the next time you see a fly engaging in this peculiar behavior, remember that they are simply cleaning their taste sensors to prepare for their next meal!

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