Flower Flies

About Flower Flies: 

• Mesembrius bengalensis and M. quadrivittatus have been discovered from the Kole wetlands and Vilagan Kunnu hillocks of Thrissur district.
• Flower flies belong to the family Syrphidae of order Diptera and are commonly called flower files because they are frequent visitors of flowers like many bees and wasps.
• They are flies that evolved to mimic bees or wasps to escape from their predators.
• Ecological role: Flower flies are important pollinators. Larvae of these flies are excellent biological control agents and nutrient recyclers.

Key facts about Kole wetlands

• It is the largest brackish, humid tropical wetland ecosystem located in the state of Kerala.
• Extending from the northern bank of Chalakudy River in the south to the southern bank of Bharathapuzha River in the north
• It is situated in the central Asian Flyway of migratory birds.

Q1: What is a pollinator?

A pollinator is anything that helps carry pollen from the male part of the flower (stamen) to the female part of the same or another flower (stigma). The movement of pollen must occur for the plant to become fertilized and produce fruits, seeds, and young plants.

Source: Two species of flower flies reported for the first time in Kerala