Don’t be a buzzkiller!

June 2025

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June 2025

Experts believe the spider-slaying sapphire spider fly helps pollinate native daisies.
Aotearoa’s native fly species are important pollinators of alpine plants. Some also recycle bat guano and slay large spiders. “My favourite thing about tramping is the flies!” said no one, ever. When you think of flies and tramping, your mind probably jumps straight to long drops and sandflies – two of the least glamorous aspects […]
Lily Duval

About the author

Lily Duval

Lily Duval is an author and artist with a relentless enthusiasm for bugs, tramping and the natural world. She has a Master of Arts in English from the University of Canterbury. She writes and illustrates for a range of conservation organisations and creates content for RNZ’s Critter of the Week. Her favourite tramping treat is a stroopwaffle with a cup of hot chocolate.

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