16 December 2024
For most of us, the sight of a housefly or bluebottle fly buzzing through the kitchen causes a wave of disgust. We associate them with dirt and decay—carriers of disease to be swatted away without a second thought.
But what if these intruders we dismiss as pests are, in fact, important players in our world’s ecosystems? Flies may seem like unwanted guests, but their role in our world is far more extraordinary than we realise.
A closer look at the fly
Delve more deeply into the appearance and life of a fly, and you’ll discover a creature of intricate beauty. Their compound eyes contain thousands of tiny lenses, giving them a panoramic view of their surroundings. Tiny hairs cover their bodies, helping them sense the slightest changes in their environment.
Flies are also nature’s aerial acrobats, flapping their wings up to 200 times per second. Their anatomy perfectly suits their roles as scavengers, pollinators, and prey.
A close-up of a fly’s eye
Recent research even reveals that insects, including flies, experience something similar to chronic pain after injury. This finding challenges our perception of insects as mindless pests and encourages us to rethink our treatment of even the smallest creatures.
Adding to our need to view Australia’s insects as something more than tiny pests or unwanted visitors is recent research by Woinarski et al. (2024) published in Cambridge Prisms: Extinctions. The study suggests that the rate of ongoing extinctions in Australia’s terrestrial invertebrate species may be significantly higher than anyone expected. Calling the findings “highly alarming”, The Biodiversity Council and Invertebrates Australia are calling on federal and state and territory governments to increase conservation funding for invertebrates to enable better monitoring and conservation outcomes.
Invertebrates so often ‘fly under the radar’ (pardon the pun), with many newly discovered species being listed as threatened species as soon as they are classified, and others contributing to a “ghost extinction” crisis whereby some species are so little-known and have such a restricted range or small populations that they go extinct even before they’re formerly described.
Cleaner than you think …
It is well-known that house flies (Musca domestica) and bluebottle flies in the Calliphoridae family can transfer bacteria. Because they like organic matter and waste, they often pick up pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella on their feet and bodies, potentially transmitting disease.
However, flies are also surprisingly fastidious creatures. They constantly groom themselves, removing dirt and pathogens from their bodies. This self-cleaning behaviour reduces the risk of spreading bacteria and diseases.
A silent decline
Have you noticed fewer insects splattered on your car’s windshield during road trips? This observation, while anecdotal, is known as the “windshield phenomenon,” and later studies suggest it may reflect a troubling decrease in insect populations worldwide.
Studies have shown significant reductions in flying insect biomass, raising concerns about the health of our ecosystems. Insects are vital, providing billions of dollars worth of ecological services annually.
Flies are unsung heroes of decomposition, breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil. They are also key pollinators for plants that bees overlook. For example, midges are the primary pollinators of cacao trees, which produce chocolate.
And let’s not forget the food web. Birds, amphibians, reptiles, and countless other species rely on flies as a primary food source. When flies disappear, the ripple effects are felt across ecosystems. Although often overlooked, flies are essential to maintaining nature’s balance and, consequently, our well-being.
A fly-friendly approach
Knowing their importance, how should we respond the next time a fly buzzes into our home? Instead of reaching for a fly swatter, consider humane alternatives. Open a window and use a piece of cardboard to gently guide them outside. Keep kitchens clean to minimise attraction, and use screens to keep flies out without harming them.
Flies are more than pests—they are nature’s cleaners, pollinators, and recyclers. Without them, our world would actually be a much dirtier, less-hospitable place.
Changing perspectives
So, next time you hear that familiar buzz, take a moment to marvel at the humble fly and its extraordinary importance. These tiny creatures may just be one of the most undervalued heroes of the natural world.
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