h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Do flies avoid getting hit by raindrops? How do they?


So long
Charcoal with an inquisitive mind

I rather doubt it. They're not magical beings after all.

I suspect, rather like the rest of us - they hide if at all possible.

Traveller in Time trying to think as a fly
"I presume they are fast enough to avoid most drops during a mild rain. Still this will be not very productive in getting anywhere so they will shelter as soon as possible.

Imagine it is like crossing a highway where all cars drive as fast and not faster then you walk. You only need to look out for a few lanes.

Do not try flying during a storm, the drops will fall at irregular speeds, there is no way a fly can anticipate all in time.

Heavy rain will also be a problem as there is not enough space between drops.

The most flies are covered with hairs, on impact the drop will not cling to the body, only the flight path is changed. "

When first told, I found it a tad bemusing that a bullet/shell rises in flight in rain (round/pointed nose).

I have seen bees staggering in sudden heavy showers.

I have a friend who insists there is a certain speed at which you can run through the rain without getting wet .

lightspeed?

"I presume they are fast enough to avoid most drops during a mild rain."

No matter how fast they are, that would only work if they were moving into a place where it wasn't raining. Otherwise they would just collide with the adjacent raindrops more rapidly.

Well you usually see less insects when it is raining. I think they just fly to somewhere dry and wait it out. Probably with their feet up reading a book.

No, no. Flies got off to drug dens and enjoy some really good shit...

t.

Wherever they go, it certainly is buzzin'

I think you may have to be taken outside and shot for that one Orcus

There was discussion on Radio 4 this morning about the impact of rainy weather on bees, which are in serious decline at the moment.

They can explore up to 3 km from their hives, stopping en route to collect nectar, and so this can take a considerable time, during which they can be caught in a downpour.
They also need to leave their hives from time to time to 'cock their legs' as it were, otherwise infections can ensue within the hive.

They analogidsed a bee being hit by a raindrop to a human being hit by a missile!

*Pictures lots of bees anxiously jiggling and crossing their legs at the entrance to the hive while dolefully staring out at the missile shower going on outside...*

Yes, I had exactly that image as well