Flower Flies

About Flower Flies:

• 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.
• Ecological role: Flower flies are important pollinators. Larvae of these flies are excellent biological control agents and nutrient recyclers.

Key facts about Kole wetlands

• It is the largest brackish, humid tropical wetland ecosystem located in the state of Kerala.
• Extending from the northern bank of Chalakudy Riverin the south to the southern bank of Bharathapuzha River in the north
• It is situated in the central Asian Flyway of migratory birds.