Pollination occurs by transferring pollen from the anther (male organ) to the stigma (female organ) of a flower. As stated by Beeaction.org, over 200,000 species of animals pollinate crops, ornamentals and trees. Pollinators influence humans by pollinating our food sources. Many flowering crops, including fruits, vegetables and cotton, require pollination by an exterior source. While some forms of pollination include wind, water and self-pollination, a majority of crops and ornamentals require frequent visits by animals to facilitate fertilization and fruit production.

U.S Fisheries and Wildlife Service Stats:

  • Up to 80% of plant species require pollination, primarily by insects
  • ¾ of the world’s human food sources require insect pollination
  • Insects pollinate cacao, tea, tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, watermelon, strawberries and cotton
  • Livestock food sources such as alfalfa and clover are commonly visited by pollinators
  • 1 out of every 3 bites of food we eat depends on pollinators
  • Pollinators influence erosion by promoting the growth and health of native plant species which increases soil health and natural productivity
White and orange butterfly on a daisy

Types of Pollinators

Bees are highly vital to the survival of human and livestock food sources. The US Geological Survey notes that bees visit a large variety of plant species, including 75% of the fruits, nuts and vegetables needed for human consumption. According to the Xerces Society, flowering plants tailor their bloom shape and aromas to attract specific bees, such as honey bees and bumblebees.

Butterflies play a dual role in agriculture and urban environments. They pollinate a variety of plants and visit any flower with suitable nectar. They prefer orange, yellow and purple blooms. Butterflies, especially the Monarch, lay eggs on several weed species that can become invasive and troublesome, including milkweed. Butterflies are available almost year round and only disappear during winter season. They commonly flock in large amounts, and according to a survey taken by Anurag Agrawal at Cornell University, the Monarch butterfly migration in 2019 was around 300 million strong.

Beetles, flies, bats and hummingbirds also act as pollinators. While they may not play as large a role as bees and butterflies, they do affect crop growth. Bats fly at night hunting insects and pollinating night blooming flowers, while flies can reach smaller blooms inaccessible to large insects. Beetles act as predators and occasional pollinators.

Pollinator Needs

A source of nectar is a necessary factor in maintaining pollinator populations. Most pollinators use nectar as a primary food source. Honey bees thicken nectar to create honey, which they use to feed themselves and their queen. Insects also require water, which they gain from nectar, vegetation or mud. To aid the butterfly population, one can provide them with overripe fruit as a source of water, or create mud puddles in specifically chosen areas of land. Having a shelter is also necessary for pollinators to circumvent inclement weather. To maintain pollinator population, leave fallen wood and overgrown grassy areas available for insects, birds and mammals to use as a refuge. Planting flowers in groups using attractive colors such as yellow, orange, red and purple will attract pollinators. White flowers attract bees. Grow a variety of single-bloom flowers to provide a staple nectar source and ensure that pollinators will desire to remain in your garden.

Resources Dependent on Pollination

Corn, pumpkins, strawberries, watermelons, chocolate, berries, apples, cotton, potatoes, tomatoes, chili/peppers, forests, and rangelands all depend on successful pollination to reproduce grow, and spread successfully.

Bee flying in front of a pink flower

References

The following resources provide information about pollinators, life cycles, and statistics. Research more about pollinators and how they benefit humans and agriculture.