![]() | Root Maggot Fly - Family Anthomyiidae / Crocus Flowers |
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![]() Adult root maggot flies are important flower pollinators | |
![]() Adult male on crocus flower. These flies are some of the earliest spring insects. | |
"The Anthomyiidae (412 North American species) are medium-sized nondescript flies that are taken in large numbers in Old Field sweeps. Most are phytophagous feeding on roots or other plant tissue. This family contains some economically important pests primarily in the genus Hylemya. Two subfamilies are recognized: FUCELLIINAE and ANTHOMYIINAE" -- From the Insects of Cedar Creek | |
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Crocus is the generic name of hardy, corm-forming herbs belonging to the iris family, Iridaceae. The genus comprises about 80 species originally native to the Mediterranean region and to Southwest Asia. They are grown primarily as ornamentals for their beautiful, usually single flowers of brilliant color; however, the stigmas, or pollen-receiving parts, of the flowers of Crocus sativus produce saffron, an important orangy colorant and flavoring.
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