Summer days, idyllic as they seem with barbecues and outdoor relaxation, often come with an unwelcome guest: the fly. That familiar buzzing sound can quickly turn a peaceful afternoon into a swatting frenzy. While often seen as mere nuisances, flies are much more than just annoying insects. In fact, they play surprisingly vital roles in our ecosystems. Before you reach for that fly swatter, let’s delve into the real question: What Purpose Do Flies Serve? You might just be surprised to discover they are unsung heroes of the natural world.
Why Flies Thrive in Warmer Months
The summertime surge in fly populations isn’t just about them wanting to bother us. It’s a complex interplay of environmental factors. Warmer temperatures, increased rainfall from winter, and readily available food sources create ideal breeding conditions for flies.
Flies are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is regulated by their surroundings. As temperatures rise in summer, so does their metabolic rate and activity level. This increased activity, coupled with the emergence of many insect species from their winter dormancy, leads to a noticeable increase in fly presence during the warmer months. Think of summer as a massive insect party – a period of intense feeding, mating, and activity for these creatures.
Flies: Nature’s Unsung Pollinators
When we think of pollination, bees and butterflies often come to mind. However, flies are incredibly effective pollinators, often overlooked for their crucial role in plant reproduction. Many of the delicious foods we enjoy at summer BBQs owe their existence, in part, to flies.
Unlike bees that meticulously collect pollen in specialized leg baskets, flies lack these structures. This means that pollen grains readily adhere to their hairy bodies and are easily transferred from flower to flower as they feed on nectar. In some cases, flies are even more efficient pollinators than bees.
Dr. Bryan Lessard, known as ‘Bry the Fly Guy’ from the Australian National Insect Collection, emphasizes the pollination prowess of flies, particularly horseflies. “Horseflies are great pollinators because they’re so hairy,” he explains. Research from the University of New England has even shown that common blow flies can carry more pollen than honeybees due to their body structure and pollen-carrying capacity.
Beyond the usual fruits and vegetables, flies contribute to the pollination of hops for beer, apples for cider, and grapes for wine. So, the next time you enjoy a refreshing summer beverage, remember to give a silent thanks to the often-unappreciated fly.
Alt Text: Plinthina beyonceae fly, named after Beyoncé, showcasing its distinctive golden abdomen and highlighting the surprising beauty found in fly species.
Flies as a Sustainable Food Source
While the thought of flies landing on your food might be off-putting, they are, in turn, a vital food source for a wide array of animals we cherish. Birds, lizards, frogs, and even domestic pets like dogs readily consume flies. Insects, including flies, are integral to the food web, supporting populations of larger animals.
Furthermore, innovative research is exploring the potential of flies in addressing global food security. Instead of directly consuming flies ourselves (though insect consumption is gaining traction globally), we can utilize them as a sustainable feed for farmed animals. Black soldier fly larvae, in particular, are proving to be an exceptional alternative to conventional animal feed.
Studies have demonstrated that black soldier fly larvae meal can effectively replace or supplement traditional feed for chickens, pigs, alligators, and farmed seafood like tilapia, salmon, and prawns. This insect-based feed shows no negative impacts on animal health and offers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to animal agriculture.
Nature’s Waste Disposal Experts: Flies as Scavengers
Flies are nature’s cleanup crew, playing a crucial role in breaking down and recycling organic waste. They are not just attracted to waste; they actively consume and decompose it, contributing to a healthier environment.
Many fly species, including the black soldier fly, are voracious consumers of decaying organic matter, including household waste. A single black soldier fly can lay up to 600 larvae, and each larva can consume half a gram of organic waste daily. Collectively, a small colony of these flies can process a significant amount of household green waste annually, diverting it from landfills and reducing environmental impact.
Flies act as essential scavengers, breaking down rotting carcasses and organic debris. Without their tireless work, our environment would be overwhelmed with decomposing matter. This natural waste management service provided by flies is invaluable for maintaining ecological balance and hygiene.
Medical Marvels: Maggots in Medicine
Perhaps one of the most surprising and beneficial roles of flies is in medicine. Maggot therapy, using fly larvae to clean wounds, has a long history, dating back to ancient times and with documented use in conflicts like the American Civil War.
Specifically, larvae from sheep blowflies are used in modern maggot debridement therapy (MDT) to treat chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers and bedsores. These medical maggots selectively consume necrotic (dead) tissue, effectively cleaning the wound and preventing infection. Their saliva also contains antibacterial agents that further aid in wound cleansing and promote the growth of healthy new tissue.
Maggot therapy is a specialized medical treatment administered under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals, often referred to as “maggot nurses.” After the maggots have completed their work, they are simply removed, leaving behind a cleaner and healing wound. This natural method offers a valuable alternative to antibiotics in treating certain types of infections and promoting wound healing.
Appreciating Flies: Beyond the Buzz
While they might test our patience during summer gatherings, understanding the multifaceted purpose of flies reveals their indispensable role in our world. From pollination and waste management to serving as a sustainable food source and contributing to medical advancements, flies are far more than just pesky insects.
The next time you encounter a fly, take a moment to consider its place in the intricate web of life. These often-maligned creatures are, in fact, vital contributors to healthy ecosystems and even human well-being. Perhaps, with a newfound appreciation for their purpose, we can learn to coexist with flies, recognizing them not as enemies of our summer fun, but as essential, albeit sometimes bothersome, partners in the natural world.
