Flies

Order: Diptera
Family: Bombyliidae, Conopidae, Stratiomyiidae, Syrphidae, Tachinidae, Calliphoridae

Beetles

Order: Coleoptera
Family: Anthicidae, Buprestidae, Cantharidae, Cerambycidae, Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae

Description

Flies and Beetles are two diverse insect groups that play a minor role in pollination. Like all insects, flies and beetles have three pairs of legs, antennae, and three body segments (a head, thorax, and abdomen). Morphology is highly variable in both insect groups; especially beetles whose hardened outer wings (called elytra) sometimes display ornate colors and patterns. Beetles have chewing mouth parts; flies have sucking mouth parts. In the case of blood sucking flies like mosquitoes, the mouth part also contains a piercing structure.

While beetles and flies are considered relatively minor pollinators, they play a larger role in the reproduction of some plants. For example, cocoa tree reproduction depends on cross-pollination by midge flies! Unlike many plants, the small white flowers of cocoa trees are distributed on the trunk and lower hanging branches. They produce a mushroom-like odor, which is attractive to the tiny flies. Similarly, skunk cabbages emit a foul aroma during blooms. This attracts scavenging flies and beetles, though the flower does not produce any nectar. In addition to producing chemical attractants, skunk cabbage flower coloration resembles dung or carrion and is visually attractive to these insects.