Beyond the Bee: Why Hoverflies are More Important to Pollination than We Thought

A recent study of migratory hoverflies on a North Sea oil rig has revealed their vital, yet previously underestimated, role as long-distance pollen transporters. This research, conducted by the University of Exeter, found that these tiny insects can carry pollen for hundreds of kilometers, a discovery that has significant implications for both agriculture and plant biodiversity. The findings challenge the traditional view that bees are the sole or most important long-distance pollinators.

The study, which was led by the University of Exeter and funded by the Royal Society, focused on the marmalade hoverfly. Researchers analyzed 121 hoverflies that landed on a North Sea oil rig, located 200 kilometers off the coast of Scotland. With no vegetation on the rig or nearby land, the presence of pollen on the insects' bodies was a clear indicator that they had transported it over vast distances. By analyzing pollen samples and wind patterns, the scientists estimated that many of the hoverflies had flown from as far as 500 kilometers away, from places including the Netherlands, northern Germany, and Denmark.

This discovery highlights the critical importance of migratory hoverflies in long-distance gene flow. Unlike bees, which tend to be more territorial and have a limited foraging range, migratory hoverflies are capable of traveling hundreds of kilometers in a day. They often use powerful tailwinds to aid their journey, and they may land on oil rigs to rest before continuing their migration. The study also revealed that the hoverflies were carrying pollen from a wide range of plants, including many common crops, which further emphasizes their important role in agriculture.

The research also opens up new avenues for future investigation. While the study proved that hoverflies transport pollen over long distances, it remains unclear whether the pollen is still viable for pollination after being exposed to wind and UV light for such a long journey. The researchers are now looking to find a better way to preserve the insects and their pollen to answer this question. The findings of this study underscore the need for more research into non-bee pollinators and their response to environmental changes. As the world faces a decline in bee populations,