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What are Pollinators?

Pollinators are animals that move from plant to plant while searching for protein-rich pollen or high-energy nectar to eat. As they go, they are dusted by pollen and move it to the next flower, fertilizing the plant and allowing it to reproduce and form seeds, berries, fruits and other plant foods that form the foundation of the food chain for other species—including humans. Pollinators are themselves important food sources for other wildlife. Countless birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians eat the protein and fat-rich eggs, larvae, or adult forms of pollinators, or feed them to their young. Pollinators play a critical role in the food supply for wildlife and people!

Bees are well-known pollinators, but over 100,000 invertebrates—including butterflies (Monarchs specifically), moths, wasps, flies, and beetles—and over 1,000 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, act as pollinators.

 

 

 

Monarchs as Pollinators

The monarch population has declined by more than 90 percent since the 1990s. The monarch butterfly faces several risks. Climate change alters the timing of migration and rainfall patterns in their forest habitat. They’re also facing forest fragmentation and habitat loss in the United States and Mexico. In addition, pesticides kill milkweed, which the monarchs rely on for survival. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is currently reviewing their status.

Although the Monarch population is in decline, there are ways we can help the species. Creating a habitat by planting milkweed or nectar plants is one easy way to help the monarch. North America has several dozen native species of milkweed, with at least one species naturally found in any given area. Planting a local species is the best option for helping monarchs is a particular area.

 

 

Providing a Pollinator Friendly Backyard

Food Provide native flowering plants and trees that sustain pollinators with nutrient rich nectar and pollen. Learn more about the plants in your region that pollinators evolved with and rely upon. Cover Cluster plantings close together to provide pollinators’ shelter and camouflage from predators. Places to Raise Young Butterflies need special host plants as food for their caterpillars. Planting host plants attracts more butterflies and allows them to successfully produce the next generation. Find host plants for butterflies and moths native to your area. Most native bees are solitary and lay eggs in tiny tunnels in dead trees, fallen. branches, hollow stems, or in sandy soil. Leave standing dead trees, fallen logs, and bare patches of sandy soil. You can even put out a bee house filled with nesting tubes. Attract hummingbirds by planting dense shrubs for nesting. Sustain Healthy Pollinator Habitat Avoid Pesticides Attract ladybugs, predatory wasps and other natural enemies of garden pests. Native plants attract these beneficial pest predators. These insects are a sign of a healthy garden, and an important food source for birds. No need to spray pesticides! Hand-pick pests if you have an infestation or wash them off with a stream of water from a hose. Providing Clean Water Provide water for pollinators by filling a shallow birdbath with gravel or creating a muddy patch in a corner of your yard.