Megaselia scalaris larvae display a unique behavior of swallowing air when they are exposed to small pools of liquid.

This intake of air gives them the ability to float, which may prevent drowning in flood conditions in the natural environment.

[10] Many of the flies within the family Phoridae prefer nectar as an energy source; however, Megaselia scalaris is an omnivorous species.

The sharp teeth possessed by adults are not used in retrieval of a food source, like a piercing mouthpart, but are instead used to aid digestion and breakdown of nutrients.

[11] It is important to note the distinction that while Megaselia scalaris can feed on blood meals, the teeth are not used to puncture the host.

They are common in many areas but thrive predominately in moist unsanitary vicinities such as dumpsters, trash containers, rotting meat, vegetable remains, public washrooms, homes, and sewer pipes.

[11] Megaselia scalaris are important in the study of forensic entomology because evidence derived from the lifecycle and behavior of these flies is useful in both medicocriminal and abuse/neglect cases and is admissible in court.

Often, Megaselia scalaris may be the only forensic entomological evidence available if the carrion is obstructed or concealed in a place that is hard for other insects to reach.

[13] Evidence collected by forensic entomologists involving Megaselia scalaris has been used to demonstrate in court that caretakers have neglected the care of their elderly patients.

[14] Megaselia scalaris is commonly used in research and within the lab because it is easily cultured; this species is used in experiments involving genetic, developmental, and bioassay studies.

[15] Research has also been done on the unique neurophysiology and neuromuscular junction within this fly, giving it its characteristic "scuttle" movement.