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The cheese fly, cheese skipper, or ham skipper (Piophila casei) is a species of fly from the family Piophilidae whose larvae are known to infest cured meats, smoked or salted fish, cheeses and carrion. On the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, the larvae are intentionally introduced into pecorino cheese to produce the characteristic casu martzu.
The mature larva is about 8 mm (0.31 in) long and is sometimes called the cheese skipper because of its leaping ability - when disturbed, this tiny maggot can hop some 15 cm (6 in) into the air. [4] Adults are also known as bacon flies and their larvae as bacon skippers, ham skippers, cheese maggots, cheese hoppers, etc.
Waltzing fly larvae are found in carrion, especially moose carrion, and this is their natural substrate. However, the larvae are now also found in animal products that humans eat, such as cheese and meats—thus the name "cheese skipper". [9] Adult waltzing flies eat primarily carrion, but will also consume fungi, cheese, and many other foods. [9]
Download as PDF; Printable version; In other projects Wikidata item ... Piophilini is a tribe of small two-winged flies which includes the species known as the cheese ...
Print/export Download as PDF; Printable version; In other projects ... Piophila is a genus of small flies which includes the species known as the cheese fly.
It is a small fly, about four mm (1/6 inch) long, found worldwide. This fly's larva infests cured meats, smoked fish, cheeses, and decaying animals and is sometimes called the cheese skipper for its leaping ability. Forensic entomology uses the presence of Piophila casei larvae to help estimate the date of death for human remains.
Burnsius communis, the common checkered-skipper, formerly known as Pyrgus communis, is a species of butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. [2] It is known as the frequently seen Pyrginae species in the northern United States by collectors and watchers alike.
Casu martzu is created by leaving whole pecorino cheeses outside with part of the rind removed to allow the eggs of the cheese fly Piophila casei to be laid in the cheese. A female P. casei can lay more than 500 eggs at one time. [2] [8] The eggs hatch and the larvae begin to eat through the cheese. [9]