Pollinators: Introduction categories: About Pollinators Pollinators revision date: 2022-12-14 12:00 A two-tailed tiger swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio multicaudata) visiting columbine in eastern WAPhoto by: D.G. James Biology Many of the predators and parasitoids described in the other factsheets also play a secondary beneficial role in the garden—they help in flower pollination. As adults, hover flies, predatory […]
Pollinators: Pollination categories: About Pollinators Pollinators revision date: 2022-12-14 12:00 Brown-belted bumblebee queen (Bombus griseocollis) foraging on blanketflowerPhoto by: D. James Biology Pollination is the most important event in a plant’s life. Without pollination there is no seed production and proliferation of the species. Some plants depend on wind for pollen transport but the vast […]
Pollinators: How they work categories: About Pollinators Pollinators revision date: 2022-12-14 12:00 Polyester bee (Colletidae) showing collection of pollen on the rear legPhoto by: D. James Biology The effectiveness of different insect visitors to flowers as pollinators depends on their ability to carry pollen. Bees, for example, are well equipped to carry pollen with hairs […]
Pollinators: Threats to Pollinators categories: About Pollinators Pollinators revision date: 2022-12-14 12:00 Juba skipper butterflies pollinate native rabbitbrushes during fall.Photo by: D. James Biology Pollinators are threatened by a multitude of factors including habitat degradation and fragmentation, decline of flower-rich plant communities, the spread of pathogens, pesticide use and climate change. Of these threats, habitat […]
Pollinators: Creating Pollinator Habitat in Urban Gardens categories: About Pollinators Pollinators revision date: 2022-12-15 12:00 Brown-belted bumblebee queen (Bombus griseocollis) foraging on blanketflowerPhoto by: D. James Biology Home gardens whether in urban or isolated areas can offer an important refuge and resource for pollinators. However, the use of pesticides must be avoided if your home […]