Flies

Fly (Diptera) species use a diverse array of habitats for resources. The adults of many species are predaceous while other species feed on nectar, sap, or blood. Larvae are predators, parasites, or herbivores.

Species of fungus gnats (Mycetophilidae), gall midges (Cecidomiidae), black flies/buffalo gnats (Simuliidae), midges (Chironomidae), and biting midges (Certopogonidae) commonly use flowers in the genera Achillea, Senecio, Polygonum, and Salix. Mosquitoes (Culicidae) and March flies (Bibionidae) are known to use nectar from flower species in the families of Scrophulariaceae and Asteraceae. Some bee flies (Bombyliidae) species are known to visit Viola, Primula, and Vaccinium. Species of dance flies (Empididae), Soldier flies (Stratiomyidae), spear-winged Flies (Lonchopteridae), and hump-backed flies (Phoridae) also visit flowers. Some long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) species have been observed as frequent visitors to Palmetto flowers. Species of flower flies (Syrphidae) have been shown to visit Apiaceae, Viola, Primula, Labiatae, Scrophulariaceae, and Asteraceae. A few thick-headed fly (Conopidae) species pollinate species within Asteraceae. Tachinidae, blow flies (Calliphoridae), house/stable flies (Muscidae), and Anthomyiidae also interact with numerous flower species.

Fly families and genera often found visiting flowering plants and their larval / adult ecology (click on insect names in the table to view images if available):