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 sardo cheese to produce the characteristic casu martzu. If consumed by humans, the larvae have a chance to survive in the intestine, causing entericmyiasis,[1] though no such cases have been linked to casu martzu dishes.[2] The larvae may also carry harmful microorganisms that, when consumed, could cause infections.[3]
Adult male cheese flies are usually 4.4–4.5mm (0.17–0.18in) long, with females slightly larger at 5.0–5.2mm (0.197–0.205in) long. The body is primarily a metallic black bronze in colour, with two pale yellow iridescent wings that lie flat upon the fly's abdomen when at rest. The head has short antennae and red compound eyes. The legs are yellow-brown and are covered in short spines.
The cheese fly larvae are cylindrical and can appear white or cream, with black mouthparts. Larvae have three instars, with late-instar larvae capable of greatest dispersal. When fully grown, they are 9–10mm (0.35–0.39in) long, 1mm (0.039in) wide, and have 13 segments. When disturbed, the larvae can leap 10–12cm (3.9–4.7in) by hooking their mouths into a nearby surface and jerking forward—this is believed to be what has led to the name "cheese skippers".[4]
Larvae feed on protein rich sources, including meats, cheeses, and carrion. They seek out dark, dry areas for pupation, which lasts around 12 days. [4]
Cheese flies and food safety
P. casei are considered pests in the meat and cheese industries. Female cheese flies lay eggs on meats and cheeses, which, when hatched, produce burrowing larvae that are difficult to detect in food products until they grow large enough to disperse.[5]
Research conducted on methods for preventing the oviposition and larval infestation of P. casei in cured meats and cheeses suggests the use of certain plant essential oils, from plants such as Mentha canadensis, to prevent larval growth.[5] Alternatively, regulating the microbiome present in food processing facilities can remove the microbial symbionts of P. casei, whose metabolic wastes provide food for P. casei larvae.[6]
References
↑ Peckenscneider, L.E.; Polorny, C.; Hellwig, C.A. (May 17, 1952). "Intestinal infestation with maggots of the cheese fly (Piophila casei)". JAMA. 149 (3): 262–263. doi:10.1001/jama.1952.72930200005011b. PMID14927333.
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