Why do Flies visit flowers?

by Thomas S. Woodcock, Brendon M. H. Larson, Peter G. Kevan, David W. Inouye & Klaus Lunau

A syrphid fly visiting a bindweed

The taxonomic, ecological and behavioural diversity of Diptera as anthophiles is probably greater than for any other insect order, including Hymenoptera. The bewildering diversity of anthophilous Diptera and of the floral attractants and rewards to which they respond allows for only broad generalizations on fly visitation and fly-mediated pollination. Through these interactions flies have a central role in the sustainability of plant populations in many habitats, including high latitude and altitude regions under the greatest pressure from climate change.

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Read the scientific publication in JPE.