Pollinators: Life, Biology and Threats

This book explores the critical role of dipterans (flies) in global food production, plant reproduction, and ecological services. This book explores the critical role of dipterans (flies) in global food production, plant reproduction, and ecological services. It highlights the diversity of pollinating dipterans worldwide, with a focus on their importance in India. Chapters cover key pollinator groups such as syrphid flies (hoverflies), thick-headed flies, bees (honeybees, bumblebees, solitary bees), and butterflies, explaining their impact on plant health and reproduction. Special attention is given to non-syrphid dipterans, which are vital in high-altitude and subarctic regions where bee populations are limited. The book also examines threats like climate change, habitat loss, land-use changes, and invasive species, along with recent research on insect immunity and antiviral defenses in honeybees. It is a valuable resource for researchers, academicians, and anyone interested in pollinators and their conservation. This book explores the critical role of dipterans (flies) in global food production, plant reproduction, and ecological services. It highlights the diversity of pollinating dipterans worldwide, with a focus on their importance in India. Chapters cover key pollinator groups such as syrphid flies (hoverflies), thick-headed flies, bees (honeybees, bumblebees, solitary bees), and butterflies, explaining their impact on plant health and reproduction. Special attention is given to non-syrphid dipterans, which are vital in high-altitude and subarctic regions where bee populations are limited. The book also examines threats like climate change, habitat loss, land-use changes, and invasive species, along with recent research on insect immunity and antiviral defenses in honeybees. It is a valuable resource for researchers, academicians, and anyone interested in pollinators and their conservation.