The so-called cheese flies are the best-known members, but most species of the Piophilidae are scavengers in animal products, carrion, and fungi.

The fly's larvae infest cured meats, smoked or salted fish, cheeses, and carrion.

The mature larva is about 8 mm (0.31 in) long and is sometimes called the cheese skipper because of its leaping ability - when disturbed, this tiny maggot can hop some 15 cm (6 in) into the air.

The adult cheese fly's body is black, blue-black, or bronze, with some yellow on the head, antennae, and legs.

[5][6] The larvae accomplish their jumps by bending over, grabbing onto the rears of their own bodies with their mouth hooks, and tensing their muscles in a manner that increases the pressure on their own blood and internal organs.

[4] Jumping is performed most typically when the larva is alarmed by a disturbance, or when it is abandoning its feeding site in preparation for pupation.

On discarded antlers, the males form complex, highly structured aggregations in which a great deal of territorial competition occurs.

In particular, the antennae, forelegs, and heads of the males are adapted in unusual ways to their behaviour in combat and courtship.