Guanella Pass. August 1, 2024
When asked to describe insect species that can pollinate flowers, most people think of bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. However, flies are critical pollinators in both natural and agricultural systems. A recent analysis of crop species found that flies visited 72% of the 105 crops studied (bees visited 93%). ~ Penn State Extension
Confession: I’ve often said mean things about flies buzzing around me and am going to try to remember this the next time one enters my orbit. Flies are critical to the planet. Me? Not so much. (Note: click on image to get a better look at those eyes!)
Tracy Abell 
Have to admit I haven’t thought of flies that way. I had a spell this summer when I had flies every day in the house (I probably brought them in with flower cuttings), and I was not thinking kind thoughts as I tried to take care of the problem. Now that they’re gone, I can think better of them as pollinators.
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Yep. “Not thinking kind thoughts” about sums up my fly interactions, too. Especially deer flies and horse flies. Ugh. It’s definitely easier to think kinder thoughts in their absence.
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Tracy, I’m so glad that you’ve mentioned flies as pollinators. I owe thanks to the fly (I assume it’s the same one) that visits my eggplant everyday 🙂
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Good on you for already establishing a friendly bond with your eggplant fly! 🙂
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Thanks for giving flies the respect they deserve, Tracy! Not so easy when a few of them, in my case, mosquitoes, are soooooo annoying. But mosquitoes just happen to be pollinators too and food for other things like birds, bats and dragonflies.
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It feels easier to respect flies than mosquitoes, Mara! I admit to absolutely loathing mosquitoes which cause big ol’ welts when they bite me. However, I’m going to try to remember they are also pollinators and food for other creatures. Thank you for the added perspective!
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Actually, believe it or not, mosquitoes are a type of fly. I don’t blame you for loathing them. They are one fly I don’t mind swatting. 🙂
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I’m trying to get there … trying hard to think kind thoughts about flies …
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Believe me, Amy, I’ve got a ways to go in changing my perspective on flies because when they fly around or land on me, I’m typically not happy. We are works-in-progress!
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Most interesting. Thanks for posting Tracy.
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It’s a better way for me to look at flies, Cindy. Cuts down on the cursing and frustration. HA!
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