Pollen-eaters

HART, W. E.

I AM sorry that I am unable to give Mr. Bennett all the information that he desires, as I have never studied the classification of the Diptera, and do not know the species of the flies in question; nor do I like to trust my memory as to those of the flowers. The common dandelion is, however, I think, an especial favourite; and it is evident that in this and other Composure the movements of any insect among the flowrets must scatter some of the pollen upon the stigmas, and some may even be carried on its legs and body in its wanderings from flower to flower, though the smooth body and cleanly habits of the fly must be rather an obstacle to this. But to some other species of flowers, on the pollen of which I have sometimes seen them feeding, and paid particular attention to this point, I think it very doubtful whether their visits can be anything but injurious.