Flies and other insects routinely land upside down on a ceiling. These inverted landing maneuvers are among the most remarkable aerobatic feats, yet the full range of these behaviors and their underlying sensorimotor processes remain largely unknown.

How do flies land on the ceiling?

The trick is in the legs that can tightly grip a surface such as a ceiling. ... The fly flies upright, close enough to the ceiling, and reaches upward with its front legs. The legs extend above the head and are able to grip the ceiling.

Do flies fly up or down?

Flies can hover, move vertically, and even fly backwards, tantalizing you with your inability to catch the little buggers. Most flies flap their wings over 200Hz, or 200 cycles per second.