Britannica AI Icon

cheese skipper fly

insect
Also known as: Piophila casei

Quick Summary

The cheese skipper fly, belonging to the family Piophilidae, is a type of fly whose larvae are known for their ability to jump or skip when disturbed. The family name "Piophilidae" translates to "fat-loving," reflecting that many species breed in fatty substances like cheese and meat, making them significant pests. These flies are also found in decaying animal matter and have been observed in preserved human cadavers.1

Cheese skipper flies are typically small, around 5 mm (0.2 inches) long, with a shiny black appearance and long, fleshy mouthparts. While insects in general can pose a threat to crops and stored food, the cheese skipper fly is specifically noted for its association with food products like cheese.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.