UNSUNG HERO – THE FLY

900 599 Suburban Farmer

Almost every SPRING shoulder leading into SUMMER and almost everywhere you go, you will see THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN SALUTE followed by THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN CRY –  BLOODY FLIES!

Yes, absolutely theses flies can get irritating at times. Sometimes in your food, drink and mouth! Whether in the home (Musca Domestica Linnaeus), out bush (Musca Vetustissima), or the fierce buzzing of the blowfly (Calliphora spp). Lets celebrate their beauty and role in horticulture and your crop/fruit production. Also included are HOVERFLIES, MIDGES, FLOWER FLIES, SOLDIER FLIES, even MARCH FLIES.

They cop a fair whack when it comes to appreciating them, seldom finding grace in anyone’s presence. But, did you know that the FLY, in all it’s glory, shapes, colors, geographics and sizes, is the WORLDS SECOND MOST IMPORTANT POLLINATOR! (MYOPHILY- FLY POLLINATION)

That’s right!!! These flies do way more than just buzz around and annoy you. They actually provide an immense amount of pollination of all flowers by way of proxy pollen gathering.

The humble fly collects the pollen, at smaller amounts than other pollinators, under its belly and on it’s legs as they fly around and forage for food.

Flies also assist in Blessed Mumma Earth’s maintenance. Their eggs (MAGGOTS) help break down organic material and dead animals releasing nutrients back to feed the soils microherd. Next time you see a dog poo, sight how quickly the flies break down that poo!

The fly is also food for other animals, aquatic life and terrestrial insects too.

So next time you see a fly, don’t squish it. Marvel at its majestic value.

YES FLY, COME BOTHER ME-and my garden!

Blessings and Love Ras MARK SUBURBAN FARMER