Unveiling the Diversity of Dipteran Pollinators in the Neotropical Realm

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ABSTRACT Diptera (true flies) comprise one of the most diverse insect orders; however, they remain understudied in comparison with bees and probably play a far more significant role in pollination than is commonly recognized, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Although bees are often regarded as the dominant pollinators of agricultural crops, accumulating evidence demonstrates that flies contribute substantially to pollination services across a wide range of ecosystems and crops. This review synthesizes current knowledge on dipteran pollinators of crops in the Neotropical realm. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using multiple scientific databases, incorporating peer‐reviewed articles, reviews, books, book chapters, conference proceedings, and academic theses published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Studies were evaluated using functional definitions of pollination that emphasize pollen transfer efficiency rather than simple flower visitation. The reviewed literature documents dipteran involvement in the pollination of numerous economically important crops, including avocado, cacao, citrus, coffee, mango, and others. Families such as Syrphidae, Calliphoridae, Ceratopogonidae, and Drosophilidae emerge as key contributors to pollination for certain crops. Despite their demonstrated importance, dipteran pollinators remain poorly studied in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, with limited taxonomic resolution and sparse experimental validation of pollination effectiveness. Addressing these gaps is critical for improving crop management, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing the resilience of pollination services under ongoing land‐use and climate change.

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