Ologies with Alie Ward Dipterology (FLIES) with Bryan Lessard
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Jun 14, 2022 Join Australian dipterologist Dr. Bryan Lessard, known for his engaging work on flies and authoring 'Eyes on Flies for Kids.' He takes us on a fascinating journey into the world of flies, showcasing their incredible diversity and adaptability. From their vital role in pollination to their extraordinary evolutionary traits, like the transformation of wings into halteres, Bryan dispels the stigma around these misunderstood insects. Prepare to appreciate the beauty of flies while learning about their intriguing life cycles and surprising significance in ecosystems.
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Fly Diversity
- Flies are categorized by having two wings, hence "Diptera."
- There are 160,000 known fly species, 15 times more than bird species.
Antarctic Midge Fly
- The Antarctic midge fly, the largest full-time Antarctic animal, survives freezing by hibernating for nine months.
- It primarily eats algae and moss and has no natural predators.
Halteres
- Flies evolved their second pair of wings into halteres, small knob-like structures.
- Halteres act as counterbalances, enabling quick flight and direction changes.
