Do Flies Really Pollinate?
Most people think of bees and butterflies as the main pollinators in nature, but did you know that flies are also important pollinators? In fact, flies are second only to bees in terms of their importance for pollination. Flies live in almost every environment on Earth and pollinate over 100 types of crops, including chocolate!
Types of Pollinating Flies
There are many different types of flies that pollinate, including:
- Hoverflies
- Biting midges
- Houseflies
- Blowflies
- Lovebugs (March flies)
These flies belong to the Diptera order, which means they have only one set of wings (unlike bees, which have two sets).
How Flies Pollinate
Flies don’t need to carry pollen and nectar back to a hive like bees do. They simply visit flowers to sip on the nectar. As they move from flower to flower, pollen sticks to their bodies and gets transferred to the next flower.
Many fly species have evolved hairs on their bodies that help them collect and transport pollen. Some flowers have even evolved ways to keep flies warm while they dine on the nectar, as flies need to stay warm enough to take flight.
Flies and Bee Pollination Comparison
Flies and bees are both important pollinators, but there are some key differences between them:
- Pollen Collection: Bees collect pollen in specialized baskets on their legs, while flies collect pollen on their bodies.
- Nectar Feeding: Bees feed on nectar and store it in their honey stomachs, while flies only sip nectar and don’t store it.
- Social Behavior: Bees live in colonies and work together to find food and build nests, while flies are mostly solitary insects.
Fly Pollination in Ancient Times
Flies have been pollinating plants for millions of years. Fossils show that flies and beetles were the primary pollinators of early flowers, at least as long ago as 150 million years.
Benefits of Fly Pollination
Flies play a vital role in our ecosystem by pollinating plants. Without flies, many plants would not be able to reproduce, and we would lose many of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers that we rely on.
How to Identify Pollinating Flies
Pollinating flies can be identified by their:
- One set of wings
- Hairy bodies
- Small size
- Active behavior around flowers
Flies as Pollinators in Urban Environments
Flies are important pollinators in both rural and urban environments. In fact, some studies have shown that flies are more effective pollinators in urban areas than bees, because they are not affected by pesticides and habitat loss as much as bees are.
Conclusion
Flies are often overlooked as pollinators, but they play a vital role in our ecosystem. By understanding the importance of flies and other pollinators, we can take steps to protect them and ensure that our planet continues to thrive.
