Experimental and Applied Entomology: Contributions of Dipterans to Pollination Services and Biological Control
Loading...
Date
2026-04-17
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Diptera form one of the most diverse and functionally important insect groups, yet their ecological contributions to biodiversity
maintenance and ecosystem services remain underrecognized and underrepresented in research and conservation planning.
This review was undertaken to synthesize current evidence on the functional ecology of Diptera, highlight their roles in pollination
services and biological control and identify knowledge gaps that limit their integration into biodiversity conservation and
ecosystem management. A systematic search of peer-reviewed
articles was conducted by analyzing 83 studies from 114 screened
sources. The review reveals that Diptera contribute substantially to pollination and biological control. They visit approximately
72% of the world's major crops and dominate pollination networks in alpine, arctic and shaded habitats where bees are scarce.
Several families of Diptera, including Syrphidae, Bombyliidae, Calliphoridae and Muscidae provide pollination services valued
in the hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Predatory and parasitoid species in Syrphidae, Tachinidae and Cecidomyiidae
deliver natural pest suppression estimated at nearly US$100 billion annually. Overall, this review demonstrate that Diptera play
indispensable roles in sustaining ecosystem processes, agricultural productivity and ecological resilience. However, major gaps
persist in quantifying their contributions to pollination and pest regulation, particularly in tropical and developing regions. The
review concludes that advancing dipteran research through targeted ecological studies, long-term
monitoring and integrative
conservation strategies is essential for safeguarding ecosystem functioning and human well-being.