Which group of flies does not require a blood meal to complete their life cycle?

The group of flies that does not require a blood meal to complete their life cycle is midges. Midges typically feed on nectar, rather than blood, as adults. This characteristic allows them to complete their life cycle without the need for a blood meal, which is necessary for other flies like horseflies, stable flies, and greenbottle flies.

Horseflies and stable flies, for example, are known for their blood-feeding habits, which are essential for females to obtain the nutrients needed for egg development. Greenbottle flies may also rely on carrion and other organic matter to lay their eggs, with some species exhibiting blood-feeding behavior.

Midges, on the other hand, are largely non-biting and often go unnoticed due to their small size. They are more focused on flowering plants for nectar and are integral to various ecosystems without the need to consume blood. This distinction highlights the diverse feeding strategies within different fly groups and the necessity of understanding these differences for effective pest management.