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What Are Flies Doing In The Middle Of The Ocean?

What Are Flies Doing In The Middle Of The Ocean?


Episode 1354


In the North Sea — between the United Kingdom, Norway and Denmark — thousands of flies swarmed an oil rig. Engineer Craig Hannah noticed they’d stay still on the rig for hours, suddenly taking off all at once. He was seeing hoverflies. Often confused with bees, they’re unsung pollinators. And they migrate, often hundreds of miles – including, it seems, to the middle of the ocean.


Today on the show: The mystery of why these insects are landing in the open ocean. Plus, a surprising finding in the Amazon rainforest and the sounds of life in a coral reef. 


Interested in more science behind skincare products? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.


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Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago






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