Pollinators
- Health & Well-being
-
Agricultural Programs
- Agribusiness
- Animal Science
- Beginning Farmer Program
- Commercial Crops
- Commericial Horticulture
- Delaware Soil Testing Program
- Disease Management
- Farm Vitality and Health Project
- Irrigation
- Nutrient Management
-
Insect Pest Management
- Insect Trapping Program
- IPM Hot Topics
- Commercial Field Crop Insect Management
- Commercial Field Crop Disease Management
- Commercial Fruit & Vegetable Crop Pest Management
- EIPM Implementation Projects
- Pollinators
- Research and Extension Demonstration Results
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Management, Research, and Resources
- Publications
- Pesticide Safety Education Program
- UD Plant Diagnostic Clinic
- Variety Trials
- Weed Science
- Certified Crop Advisor Program
- 4-H
-
Horticulture
- Climate Variability and Change
- Delaware Soil Testing Program
- Forestry
- Lawn and Garden
- Master Gardeners
- Master Naturalist Program
-
Nutrient Management
- Nutrient Management Certification
- Continuing Education for Nutrient Management
- Nutrient Management Planning Resources
- Commercial Nutrient Handler Resources
- Poultry Litter and Manure Management
- Turf Management
- Agriculture Notebook
- Horticulture Handbook
- Agriculture & Horticulture Handbooks
- Crop Production
- Soil Fertility
- Delaware Climate Change Coordination Initiative (DECCCI)
- Salt Impacted Agricultural Lands
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
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.
Common Name: Western Honey Bee
Scientific Name: Apis mellifera
Most common in Delaware
Pollinate crops & produce honey
Pollen basket attached to the hind leg
Common Name: American HoverFly
Scientific Name: Eupeodes americanus
Diptera
Native to North America
Accidental pollinators
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!
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
UD Cooperative Extension
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, Cooperative Extension is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Institution and Provider. Visit UD’s Office of Equity & Inclusion to learn more.
Additional Links
531 South College Avenue Newark, DE 19716 (302) 831-2501