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My guess is that when most people think of pollinators, they first and likely think solely of bees. However, although bees are the most important, there are many other creatures that contribute to the pollination of plants.
What is pollination?
Pollination is the physical movement of pollen from a male part of a plant to a female part of a plant. A pollinator, when searching on flowers for food, will carry with it pollen from another flower and, as it brushes on the flower, it will deposit the pollen. Without pollination, there can be no fertilization of plants and thus no seeds will form. It can happen via wind, water and most frequently by animals with insects being the most crucial. According to the US Department of Agriculture, 75% of the world's flowering plants and 35% of food crops require animal pollinators to reproduce and thus make the fruit, vegetable or grain. In fact, one out of every three bites of food we eat depends upon animal pollinators.
What animals are Pollinators?
Although bees, including 3,500 species of native bees, are the most important pollinators, the list of pollinators is much longer.
Animals who are pollinators include:
Bees
Beetles
Bats
Birds
Butterflies
Moths
Flies
Wasps
Mosquitos
Kind of gives you a new found respect for insects and these other creatures, doesn't it? Unfortunately, insects, bats and even birds are often demonized and sadly, the health of these creatures is in deep jeopardy. Thus, it is crucial that we all take steps to protect, foster and welcome them onto our properties. Would you like to know how? Please peruse my website for advice and/or feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Remember, every small action counts.
