The carnivorous fly reappears in France after 100 years; thought to be extinct

The reappearance of the predatory fly or “bearded man” in the south of France has caused alarm among scientists. This insect has been considered extinct since 1836.

A little less than half an inch long, with a bright orange head, the fly Thyreophora cynophila feeds on decaying carcasses.

100 years ago they could be seen in Germany, France and Austria, but after 1836 the species was not seen again until large numbers were found in the National Park of the Pyrenees in France.

ancient studies of the bearded fly show that it was most active during the winter months in Europe.

Another feature was noted because earlier they were more often seen at high altitudes, above 1300 meters above sea level.

Although the species was discovered in Spain in 2010, its tracks could not be traced, and in February of this year, a ranger who traveled through the Osso Valley said he saw these insects devouring the body of a wild boar.

The animal, insects and ranger were at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level, so the relevant authorities were notified about this.

On the other hand, “Since 2018, entomologist Laurent Pelozuelo of the Paul Sabatier University in Toulouse has mobilized researchers to follow the tracks of these insects on the French side of the Pyrenees.”, the message says.

“The bearded fly is very active in winter, the cold does not seem to bother its larvae, which feed on decaying corpses in the snow,” experts noted and: “The rotten remains of large mammals, wild or other domestic animals are thus part of their favorite menu.”.

While there is no information necessary to announce whether these flies could migrate to the countries of the American continent, however, experts are monitoring to rule out any risk to humans.