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.
