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How fast can a housefly 
fly? © Getty Images

How fast can a housefly fly?

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Time to swat a few myths. Though they are often too fast for us to catch, it may just be some perfected acrobatics.

Asked by: Hugh Allen, Somerset

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Not as fast as you think. They manage just 7km/hr – a brisk walking pace. They seem faster because they are very acrobatic and hard to catch. The fastest flying insects are dragonflies, with a top speed of 56km/hr (35mph).

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Authors

luis villazon
Luis VillazonQ&A expert

Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.

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