Flower Flies : Two Species Reported
Researchers of the Shadpada Entomology Research Lab (SERL) of Christ College, Irinjalakuda, have reported two species of flower flies for the first time from Kerala.
- Mesembrius bengalensisand quadrivittatus have been discovered from the Kole wetlands and Vilagan Kunnu hillocks of Thrissur district.
- Flower flies belong to the family Syrphidae of order Diptera and are commonly called flower files because they are frequent visitors of flowers like bees and wasps.
- They are flies that evolved to mimic bees or wasps to escape from their predators.
- Flower flies are important pollinators.
- Larvae of these flies are excellent biological control agents and nutrient recyclers.
