Samm Reynolds (University of Guelph) explores the ecosystem services and long-distance migration of hoverflies.
This talk will begin with an introduction to Syrphidae, an important family of true flies, commonly known as hover flies or flower flies. As we dive in, we’ll explore the diverse ecosystem services these flies provide throughout their life cycle, from pest control to pollination. A major focus of the talk will be hoverflies’ remarkable ability to migrate long distances, distributing these services across vast geographic areas.
While many questions remain about the migratory behaviour of species within this family, recent advances in technology and research methods will be discussed that offer promising new insights. These developments give us hope for what lies ahead in uncovering the secrets of these small but mighty insects.