Flies as pollinators

[turttle]

I never realized how many flies come to flowers for nectar and/or flowers. I was taught that flowers pollinated by flies tend to have nasty odors, but I have seen them mostly on my rudebeckia. There are multiple kinds, which I have not gotten farther than tachinid fly or syrphid fly in identifying, but I am hopeful that none of them bite!

[BeeWonderful]

I have seen flies similar to the one in your first photo. Hope someone ID's it for you!

[suunto]

Originally Posted by turttle

I never realized how many flies come to flowers for nectar and/or flowers. I was taught that flowers pollinated by flies tend to have nasty odors, but I have seen them mostly on my rudebeckia. There are multiple kinds, which I have not gotten farther than tachinid fly or syrphid fly in identifying, but I am hopeful that none of them bite!

The first one is a bee fly (Diptera: Bombyliidae), the next two are muscoid flies, possibly in the family Sarcophagidae, anf the last one is in the family Syrphidae (hover/flower flies). Flies will indeed pollinate a wide range of flowers, not just stinky ones!

[turttle]

Thanks, suunto. When I tried to id the flies, I had real difficulty trying to figure out the species. Is it my imagination or is it really really complicated?

[suunto]

Originally Posted by turttle

Thanks, suunto. When I tried to id the flies, I had real difficulty trying to figure out the species. Is it my imagination or is it really really complicated?

The order Diptera (true flies) is an enormous one, and very many species can be identified only by examining certain body parts under magnification.