Why is a fly so hard to catch?
The smaller an animal is, and the faster its metabolic rate, the slower time passes for it, scientists found.
This means that across a wide range of species, time perception is directly related to size, with animals smaller than us seeing the world in slow motion.
The findings, published in the journal Animal Behaviour, come from research into the ability of animals to detect separate flashes of fast-flickering light.
"Critical flicker fusion frequency" - the point at which the flashes seem to merge together, so that a light source appears constant - provides an indication of time perception.
More Info:
www.businessinsider.com
What are your thoughts on this subject?
32 Comments
Rafi Manory
The "explanation" does not explain the reason. The actual reason is that the fly senses the air movement. None of the explanations, including the so-called "correct" one answers the question. Also, since when is "bussiner insider" a source regarding to flies? Is there a flies-re;ated business? Please delete this question.
40
May 30, 2024 3:45AM

ebitnet
NO! Time does NOT move slower for a fly. JFC--learn some Biology...then learn some physics.
24
Mar 11, 2025 2:53PM

Marian Spitzig
The explanation doesn’t explain. In researching this there really are 5 reasons, none would fall under the answer options, except evolutionary changes.
15
Sep 16, 2024 9:04PM

seane
I don't think any of the answers are correct. Wth?
11
Mar 11, 2025 6:43PM

Lisa Rodrigues
Flies are notoriously difficult to catch due to their rapid reflexes, sophisticated vision, and the way their brains process information, allowing them to perceive and react to threats much faster than humans.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Fast Vision and Perception:
Flies have a high critical flicker fusion frequency, meaning they can see and process visual information much faster than humans. Some flies can see as many as 250 flashes per second, about four times more than humans.
Agile Flight and Maneuverability:
Flies are highly agile and can change direction quickly, making it difficult to predict their movements. They also have specialized structures called halteres that help them stabilize in flight.
Sensory Organs:
Flies have specialized sensory organs, including their compound eyes, that allow them to detect movement and react quickly.
Evolutionary Advantage:
Flies have evolved to be fast and agile to escape predators, and their ability to evade swatting is a result of this evolutionary pressure.
Time Perception:
Flies perceive time differently than humans, with some studies suggesting they see the world in slow motion.
Neural Quirks:
Flies also have some neural quirks that contribute to their ability to evade swats, such as their ability to process information quickly and react swiftly.
Body Structure:
Flies have six legs, which they use for balance and to launch themselves into the air at the best angle.
11
Mar 13, 2025 3:07AM

Mic Fenst
More likely the peripheral vision of those large eyes. Time does NOT "slow down" due to heart rate. Sheesh!
10
Mar 11, 2025 10:07PM

Mark Wheeless
heeeeelp meeee!!
9
Mar 11, 2025 3:37PM

Jas Newman
Who said flies are hard to catch? When I lived in Ethiopia, I used to catch many a day to release in a screen cage to feed my chameleons. You just have to learn to anticipate the fly's flight path when it takes off to escape.
5
Mar 12, 2025 12:25AM
Puppermom
I am not pleased with the answer. Oh cheez! I sound like Sheldon!
5
Mar 12, 2025 9:03AM

Karin Johansson
Howard Groopman, yes that is one of the reasons
1
Apr 12, 2025 3:45AM

Tom Knox
Horrible answers provided! Time does NOT move slower for a fly!
0
Mar 21, 2025 8:25AM

maidofstardust
I’m sticking to my guns that flies are the ninjas of the insect world, anyways. But I’m very good at swatting them, too.
1
Mar 19, 2025 2:25AM

Kath Thomson
teacherchicky, have you made a report? Complaints in the comments don't get anywhere
0
Mar 17, 2025 7:32PM

Kath Thomson
sftcw, have you made a report? Complaints in the comments don't get anywhere
1
Mar 17, 2025 7:32PM

Kath Thomson
S Dale Baugh, have you made a report? Complaints in the comments don't get anywhere
0
Mar 17, 2025 7:32PM

Kath Thomson
gusroy, have you made a report? Complaints in the comments don't get anywhere
0
Mar 17, 2025 7:31PM

Kath Thomson
Lisa Rodrigues, have you made a report? Complaints in the comments don't get anywhere
0
Mar 17, 2025 7:31PM

Kath Thomson
Mic Fenst, have you made a report? Complaints in the comments don't get anywhere
0
Mar 17, 2025 7:31PM

Kath Thomson
Marian Spitzig, have you made a report? Complaints in the comments don't get anywhere
1
Mar 17, 2025 7:30PM

Kath Thomson
ebitnet, have you made a report? Complaints in the comments don't get anywhere
1
Mar 17, 2025 7:30PM

Kath Thomson
Rafi Manory, have you made a report? Complaints in the comments don't get anywhere.
1
Mar 17, 2025 7:30PM

Lupe Hernandez
I've been able to catch flies since I was little. You just sneak up on them as they have landed , cup your fingers and rapidly swing your hand and close your fingers with the fly inside.
1
Mar 15, 2025 6:36PM

gusroy
Another question with no good answer, and your explanation does not explain the answer!
1
Mar 15, 2025 5:52PM

Tabitha Hammer
I like the ninja answer best! 😂
2
Mar 15, 2025 5:21PM
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