Pollinators

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Pollinators

What Pollinators Do For Us

Pollinators are critical to our food production system
More than 100 U.S.-grown crops rely on pollinators
The Honey Bee is our primary pollinator

Photo by G. Ferry

Common Name: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail; Dense Blazing Star

Scientific Name: Papilio glaucus; Liatris spicata

This native plant helps improve the ecosystem while also attracting native Lepidoptera pollinators.

Photo by G. Ferry

Common Name: Western Honey Bee

Scientific Name: Apis mellifera

Most common in Delaware
Pollinate crops & produce honey
Pollen basket attached to the hind leg

Calibas, Wikimedia Commons

Common Name: American HoverFly

Scientific Name: Eupeodes americanus

Diptera
Native to North America
Accidental pollinators

Brian Buckner, Jones Lab at Bowdoin

Other Native Pollinators:

Mason bees, Leaf cutters, Cuckoo bees.

These pollinators all have different characteristics. For example, the Mason bee (Above, Osmia lignaria) is blue!

Polinizator, Wikimedia Commons

Common Name: Red Necked False Blister Beetle

Scientific Name: Asclera ruficollis

Some pollinators come from the order Coleoptera. This beetle has hardened elytra, which is a major characteristic of Coleoptera. They are frequently found on flowers, because that is where they mate, and pollen is a big part of their diet. Be careful dealing with them, because they do have toxic defense chemicals.

Ways to Promote Pollinator Activity

Plant native species
Avoid / limit pesticide use
Provide water and shelter

Fig. 5: Penstemon digitalis

Fig. 6: Symphyotrichum novae- angliae

Fig. 7: Pycnanthemum incanum

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