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Flies Face Growing Climate Threats as Critical Pollinators

Flies, often overlooked as mere pests, play a vital role as some of the planet’s most prolific pollinators. However, new research led by Penn State scientists reveals that flies are increasingly vulnerable to rising global temperatures, posing significant risks to ecosystems and agriculture.

Published in the Journal of Melittology, the study examined the heat tolerance of various bee and fly species in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The findings show that flies are more sensitive to heat than bees, which can endure much higher temperatures and inhabit a broader range of environments.

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“Bees and flies are essential for pollinating plants in the wild and in agriculture,” said Margarita López-Uribe, Lorenzo Langstroth Early Career Associate Professor of Entomology at Penn State and the study’s lead author. “But habitat loss, pesticides, disease, and climate change are driving declines in these crucial insects.”

Flies rank second only to bees in pollination, supporting both wild ecosystems and agricultural production. They facilitate reproduction for countless plant species, providing food and habitat for other organisms. In agriculture, flies are particularly vital for crops like cocoa, the primary ingredient in chocolate.

A 2020 analysis found that the 105 most widely planted pollinator-dependent crops collectively have a gross economic value exceeding $800 billion. Hoverflies and blowflies, in particular, consistently rank just behind bees as top pollinators.

“Flies deserve more recognition for their pollination work,” López-Uribe emphasized. “They’re essential, yet they face the same threats as bees and are even more vulnerable to rising temperatures.”

Insects are highly susceptible to temperature changes because they cannot regulate their body heat. To assess how pollinator species might respond to warming climates, the researchers measured their “critical thermal maximum” (CTMax)—the highest temperature they can endure before losing mobility.

The study revealed that bees, on average, can tolerate temperatures 2.3 degrees Celsius higher than flies. Additionally, time of day and geography influenced heat tolerance in bees. Those foraging during cooler morning hours exhibited higher CTMax levels than bees active in warmer afternoons.

Research during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed international students from Penn State and other universities to collect data in their home countries, providing a comprehensive look at pollinator species across the Americas. López-Uribe noted that this challenge became an asset, enabling the team to examine a diverse range of environments and species.

The findings underscore the urgent need to protect both flies and bees, as their roles in pollination are critical for biodiversity, food security, and the global economy.

 
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