Do Flies Provide Any Benefit?
Flies have a bad reputation, associated with disease and dirt. However, only a few species are harmful, and most play beneficial roles in ecosystems. Scientists have identified more than 100 000 species of flies. Understanding their impact on our planet and the benefits they provide to people and ecosystems is crucial for our well-being.
Flies play an important role in pollinating plants, and researchers are trying to find ways to use them to their benefit. For example, farmers can attract flies to their fields to increase the amount of pollination. They can also use them to pollinate plants in growing tunnels or greenhouses. As the world population grows, our food security will become increasingly dependent on these pollinators.
Most flies do not have mouths, so they cannot eat solid food. Their mouthparts are similar to spongy straws, which liquefy food they encounter. Some species of flies even regurgitate their food into vomit bubbles. However, it is not known whether or not this helps them to stay alive.
Flies are annoying pests and can become a problem during warm weather. They often hover outside windows and doors looking for an opportunity to sneak inside. While fly swatters, dish towels, electronic traps, and electronic fly traps may seem like a good way to keep them away, they won’t help. Despite their annoying qualities, flies have some important functions.