Flies are insects with a bad reputation. They’re related exclusively to dirt, disease transmission, and that annoying buzzing sound that resonates in the ear and prevents sleep. All these characteristics are true, but they also generate a positive impact that is almost never spoken about and that makes it easier for humans to survive on Earth.

If flies were extinguished, the consumption and elimination of animal carcasses would only be left to bacteria and fungi, and the process would take much longer. They are also exceptionally necessary to recycle fecal matter and some species are active pollinators. Ceratopogonids, for example, are important pollinators of tropical crops such as cocoa, which allows the existence of chocolate.