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Pollinators Are Important! Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, bats, and numerous other insect species (flies, beetles, wasps, and ants) are vital to the functioning of natural and agricultural ecosystems. Flowering plants, including many crops, attract pollinators with food sources such as nectar. As they visit different flowers, pollinators pick up and then transfer pollen between flowers, fertilizing the flowers and allowing them to set seed. FCX Miami

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Long-term population trends, however, show evidence of declines in most pollinator species. Threats to pollinators include changing land-use patterns, pesticides, climate change, and invasive species. A conservative estimate of pollinators’ value to the agricultural industry is $213 billion annually. Conservation of native bees is particularly important because they are much more effective pollinators than European honeybees. Declines in native pollinator populations could therefore have large scale negative impacts on

agriculture and overall ecosystem health. Creating quality habitat that can support diverse species of pollinators is critical to maintaining pollinator populations in North America. An easy and visually appealing way to create pollinator habitat is to install a pollinator garden or adapt existing landscaping with native pollinator-friendly plants. When creating pollinator habitat, it is important to ensure that all of pollinators’ habitat needs (food, water, cover, and space) are met:

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Food

Nectar, pollen, herbaceous forage (caterpillars)

Cover

Trees, shrubs, vines, and tall herbaceous vegetation provide cover from predators and the elements. Butterflies also lay their eggs on host plants specific to the species. Native bees also need nesting cover, including bare soil, wood (snags and bee blocks), and hollow reeds.

Water

Most moisture needs are derived from nectar. Butterflies will also use water features (e.g., mud puddles) to obtain minerals.

Space

Planting a pollinator garden provides higher-quality space for pollinators to complete their life cycle functions where no space or lower-quality space existed previously.

When choosing species for your pollinator habitat, consider the following: •

Select only native plant species

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Choose a variety of flowering plants with a variety of colors, fragrances, blooming seasons, and heights

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Include larval host plants for caterpillars

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Why use native plants? Native plants provide greater value to pollinators than non-native plants. They also require less maintenance with irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Recommended Links:

Winner, Residential Category: Sonoran-Desert Museum Xeriscape Contest

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NAPPC - suggested planting lists based on ecoregion: pollinator.org/guides.htm

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The Xerces Society – pollinator conservation resources for the Southwest region: http://www.xerces.org/pollinators-southwest-region/

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U.S. Forest Service: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: http://www.fws.gov/pollinators/

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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – Migratory Pollinators Program: http://www.desertmuseum.org/pollination/