"In a moment of rage, I slapped my arm - and the fly upon it. And, amazingly, I got it. The fly lay on the floor, gossamer wings flattened, delicate legs upturned. I paused in horror. It dawned on me, for the first time, that this was a living being, one that, like me, saw, sensed, breathed and, on some level, wanted to live."
"With their transparent wings, filament legs and shimmering bodies, flies began to take on a strange beauty. About 125,000 species have been described. Some migrate long distances - they have even been discovered far out at sea - and many pollinate crops and flowers that humans care about."
"Last year, while researching a children's book on what we can learn from wildlife, I interviewed Michael Dickinson, a fly biologist at Caltech, who opened my eyes to flies' almost miraculous nature. Dickinson, who studies their movement patterns, told me that they have the most sophisticated flight of any creature on the planet."
A personal encounter with a persistent housefly led to a realization of its life and beauty. Observing flies revealed their diverse species and ecological importance, including pollination and unique behaviors. Researching flies further uncovered their sophisticated flight capabilities, highlighting their miraculous nature. This journey from annoyance to appreciation emphasizes the value of understanding and respecting all living beings.
Read at High Country News
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