What Are Pollinators?

Pollinators in a nutshell

Pollinators are animals that transfer pollen between flowers. This simple act helps plants reproduce, produce seeds, and grow the fruits and vegetables we rely on. Pollinators are far more diverse than honeybees alone, and each group plays a distinct role in healthy ecosystems.

Types of pollinators

• Bees: Honeybees, bumble bees, solitary bees, and thousands of native species.
• Butterflies and moths: Day and night pollinators that rely on nectar-rich plants.
• Beetles: Early pollinators that help many native plants reproduce.
• Flies: Especially important in cool or shaded ecosystems.
• Wasps: Often overlooked, but important for many native plants.
• Birds: Hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds in some regions.

How pollination works

1. A pollinator visits a flower for nectar or pollen.
2. Pollen sticks to its body.
3. That pollen is deposited on the next compatible flower, allowing seeds and fruit to form.

Pollinator life cycles

Pollinators need different resources through the year:

• Spring: Early blooms and nesting materials.
• Summer: Diverse nectar and pollen sources with continuous bloom.
• Fall: Late-season flowers that help pollinators build energy before winter.
• Winter: Safe nesting sites, leaf litter, and undisturbed ground or stems.

Native plants evolved with these cycles, which is why they are the best foundation for pollinator habitats.

Why pollinators matter

Food systems

Many fruits, vegetables, and seeds rely on pollinators. Their work supports the diversity and nutrition of our diets, from berries to squash to nuts.

Ecosystem health

Pollinators help wild plants reproduce, which supports birds, mammals, and entire food webs. Healthy pollinator populations are a signal of healthy ecosystems.

Economic and cultural value

Pollination supports farmers and local economies. It also protects culturally important plants and landscapes.

What is at stake

When pollinators decline, the ripple effects spread through ecosystems and communities. Fewer pollinators mean fewer wildflowers, less food diversity, and weakened habitat resilience. Protecting pollinators protects the systems that sustain life.

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