What do biting flies require for adult females to lay eggs?

Female biting flies require a blood meal to lay eggs because the nutrients found in blood are essential for the development of their eggs. This process is crucial for their reproductive cycle, as the proteins and iron contained in blood enhance egg production and ensure that the offspring are viable. After obtaining a sufficient blood meal, biting fly females can successfully lay their eggs, which typically occur in moist environments where the larvae can thrive.

Other options, such as plant material, rotting organic matter, or human food, do not provide the necessary components needed for egg development in biting flies. While these substances may attract other types of insects or provide nourishment in different life stages, they do not fulfill the specific nutritional requirements that female biting flies seek when preparing to reproduce. Their reliance on blood meals is a key characteristic that distinguishes them from other fly species that may utilize alternative food sources for their reproductive processes.