The indispensable role of flies in our global food supply
In short: Beyond their reputation as pests, flies are essential architects of our ecosystem. From the chocolate we crave to the crops on our plates, these insects perform critical services. Without their pollination and decomposition, our world would be a much more difficult, and much less delicious, place to inhabit.
While often viewed with disdain, the order Diptera—true flies—is fundamental to human survival. As Dr. Erica McAliente explains, flies and other decomposers prevent the world from being overwhelmed by organic waste, such as dead bodies and excrement, by performing the vital task of cleaning up through their larvae. Beyond decomposition, flies are prolific pollinators. More than 100 cultivated crops rely on various fly species, including staples like apples, strawberries, carrots, onions, and bell peppers. Even the spices in our pantry, such as black pepper and coriander, depend on them. Most notably, the survival of chocolate is at stake; biting midges are among the only pollinators for the plants used to produce it.
The biological versatility of flies is driven by a highly successful evolutionary body plan. All members of the Diptera group share a basic structure: three pairs of legs, one pair of wings, a pair of halteres used for flight balance, and sucking mouthparts. While most species must consume food in liquid form—ranging from nectar and blood to dung—their mouthparts have evolved into diverse shapes, from disc-like 'hoovers' to incredibly long tubes.
One extreme example of this adaptation is the species Moegistorhynchus longirostris, found in southern Africa. This fly possesses the longest proboscis in the world relative to its body size. To put this scale into perspective, if a human possessed a tongue of the same proportion, it would measure approximately six metres long. This specialized anatomy allows the fly to reach nectar deep within trumpet-shaped flowers, such as the long-tubed iris.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: What have the flies ever done for us? with Duncan Sivell and Martin Hall | #NHM_Live
- Also: Flies: The compelling case for why they’re actually fabulous | Natural History Museum
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