BayG.A.P. SERVICE PROGRAM MODULE 11
BUTTERFLIES
Butterflies are important pollinators in agriculture. They have specifically adapted mouthparts and therefore
their choice of food is limited. They mostly feed on nectar and liquid food so the flowers they visit typically
offer more nectar than pollen. Some butterflies prefer flowers with a landing platform (labellum) as they are
perching feeders. They walk around flower clusters and, by doing so, gather pollen on their long, thin legs.
FLIES
Flies in general are very important pollinators. They are the second most frequent visitors to flowers.
Flies are also important for seed production. Calliphora vomitoria for instance is used as a pollinator in
carrot seed breeding. Flies can be grown in tents and released as managed pollinators.
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