Fishing for flies: testing the efficacy of “stink stations” for promoting blow flies as pollinators in mango orchards

Pollinator communities are composed of diverse groups insects, with radically different life histories and resource needs. Blow flies known to visit a variety economically important crop plants. Larval blow develop by feeding on decaying animals. Some fruit growers place carrion farms during the flowering season attract adult (Calliphoridae). However, efficacy these “stink stations” has not been tested. We conducted series experiments determine: 1) if stink stations promote abundance in mango orchards (Mangifera indica L.), 2) any increases acts pollination set Australian orchards. Farms had approximately three times more than control farms. increased did result set. Although flies, we found no evidence that their use improves yield. This may be due saturation highly abundant native hover fly, Mesembrius bengalensis (Syrphidae), our study. hypothesize only beneficial years or regions where other pollinators less abundant.