Despite their reputation as buzzing nuisances, flies serve a critical role as some of the Earth’s most prolific pollinators. A new study led by Penn State scientists suggests that flies are increasingly at risk due to rising global temperatures. An international team of researchers examined the heat tolerance of various bee and fly species in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The results indicate that flies are more vulnerable to warming climates than bees, since bees can handle significantly higher temperatures and occupy a broader range of habitats. “Bees and flies are essential for pollinating plants, both in the wild and in agriculture,” said Margarita López-Uribe, an expert in pollinator health at Penn State and lead author on the study. “However, these vital insects are declining due to habitat loss, pesticides, disease and the growing threat of climate change.” Flies are underappreciated yet vital pollinators Flies, second only to bees in terms of the volume of crops and habitats they pollinate, play a crucial role in sustaining wild ecosystems. By facilitating the reproduction of numerous plant species, flies help maintain biodiversity and provide resources for countless other organisms. They also increasingly contribute to agriculture – for example, flies serve as the primary pollinators of cocoa trees, the source of chocolate. A 2020 analysis of global crops found that the 105 most widely planted crops benefiting from pollinators represent more than $800 billion in gross economic value. Among these pollinators, flies, specifically hoverflies and blowflies, consistently ranked just behind bees. “It’s time we gave flies some more recognition of their role as pollinators,” López-Uribe said. “Flies have a significant role, but they don’t get as much attention – and they are vulnerable in all the same ways that bees are.” Flies, bees, and climate change Because insects cannot easily […]