What’s The BUZZ, the #Hashtag, The Fad, The Thirty Second Soundbite? “Pollinators” June 2021

Words: Hash-tagged and  the latest fad, delivered in soundbites but effective communication? We are BURIED in information- it comes in all forms. We can’t even fuel up our cars in peace anymore- that is IF you can find gas.

 When you see the Words: “Save the Pollinators”, “Pollinator Garden” what comes to mind?

            Bats? Moths? Ants? Flies? Wasps? Humans?   Most Likely you think of  Bees.

So when I hear “Pollinator” I visualize MANY different types of animals or weather conditions. So there is NO one type of Pollinator garden, pollinator or plant that satisfies the Word: “Pollinator”.

 Pollinators are NECESSARY for a balanced functioning ecosystem. One of the most important factors for plant reproduction is the presence of males and females: Sexual reproduction. This requires a “Pollinator Agent”, a third party. It can be the wind, water, an animal brushing by or invading  the plant for a need such as pollen or nectar. Some flowers develop an attractant such as color, scent, shape to lure their particular third party or make it easier for wind and water to transfer the pollen.

 Types of Pollinators: Here is a short list of examples for food production:

            Agave (Tequila); Bats

            Apples: Honey Bees, Blue Mason Orchard Bees.

            Bananas: Birds, Fruit Bats

Blueberries: Over 115 different bees- ex. Bumble bees, Mason Bees, Mining Bees, Leafcutter

Bees and Blueberry bees.

Cherries: Honey bees, Bumble bees, Solitary Bees, Flies.

Cranberry: Over 40 Native bees.

Figs: 800 kinds of Fig Wasps

Papaya: Moths, Birds, Bees

Peppermint: Flies, Bees

Tea: Flies, Bees, other insects

 Types of Pollination: Autogamy: Male and Female Gamates on the same flower. Geitogamia: Male and Female are from same species but different flowers. This needs intervention from third parties.

            Biotic pollination: Living animal pollinators: birds mammals, insects.

            Abiotic Pollination: Wind or Water. Accidental transfer, relies on weather.

            Buzz Pollination: Bees and Bumblebees extract pollen from tubular flowers. The insect clings to

the flower with its legs and flaps its wings, the vibration helps to subtract the pollen spores.

Artificial Pollination: Humans-  Manually transferring pollen from one plant to another.

#Pollinators

Bees: Found all over the world. Considered one of the most important pollinators. Humans recklessly kill millions of bees with the use of pesticides, because of Fear- misinformation- misunderstanding.            

            Attractions: Bright White, yellow, or Blue Flowers with contrasting ultraviolet patterns that have fresh, mild or Pleasant odors.

 Ants: They are very social creatures and pollination is usually incidental, they are passing by. Yet a brush by one plant may carry Pollen to another.

 Hover- Syrphid- Flower Flies: They are flies. One pair of wings. Many sizes and types. Resemble bees and “Hover” over plant material seeking pests. They also feed on Nectar and Pollen. Not as efficient as bees but their frequent visit to flowers for alternate food will pollinate plants.

Butterflies and Moths: To extract nectar they must use their proboscis to draw it out. Pollen will adhere to it then transported to another flower. Passive Pollinators. Moths are Nocturnal pollinators and some plants release nectars at night for such a purpose.

            Butterflies: Attracted to Bright red and Purple Flowers with a faint but Fresh odor.

            Moths: Nocturnal: Attracted to Red, Purple, Pink or White flowers that emit odors at night.

 Hummingbird Moth: Day Feeder. Unlike other Moths that are Nocturnal. Attracted to pale Red, Purple, Pink, White flowers that emit strong Sweet odors.

 Flies: Many different types: They can be attracted to Green, White or Cream Flowers with little odor or dark brown and purple flowers that have putrid or unpleasant odors.

 Mosquitos!! Yup!!  Only females need a Blood meal. Male mosquitos carry pollen from one flower to another while feeding on nectar, adding to the world of Pollination!

 Beetles: There are about 350.000 species of Beetle, also one of the largest beneficial insect populations. Beetles feed on Fungi, insects, roots, decaying material, flowers and Pollen. Passive pollination but they do contribute.   

Attracted to White or Green flowers with odors ranging from None to Strongly fruity or Foul.

 Bumblebees use Buzz Pollination: Using Vibration to subtract pollen from flowers. Their travels help spread it around.

 Wasps: Accidental transport. Wasps can sting. Mainly carnivorous, they sometimes feed on nectar and pollen, carrying to flowers within their flying range.

 Hummingbirds: almost 300 different species. They feed on Nectar and play an important role in Pollination. They easily drink nectar form flowers bringing pollen with them. They visit a tremendous amount of flowers adding to the reproduction of plants.

Attracted to Orange, Red, Scarlet, or White tubular flowers with no distinct odors.

 Lemurs: Noctrurnal Pollinators: endemic to Madagascar. Diet includes fruits, herbs, leaves, pollen, and nectar. Those that feed on Nectar and pollen are an important link to plant reproduction.

 Day Gecko: Phelsumas: Sothern India. This gecko feeds on Insects and invertebrates as well as nectar and Pollen, passive transmission.

 Slugs!!  Yes Slugs!  They act as passive pollinators when crawling over flowers  to the crop they want!

 Long Nosed Bats: Feed on Fruit, Nectars, Pollen. Also contribute to seed dispersal helping plant species survive.   Attracted to Dull White, Green, or Purple flowers that emit strong Musty odors at Night.

 Sunbirds: includes 144 species which feed on Nectar, pollen in Tropical climates. Their population’s density plays and incredibly important role in floral pollination.

What can we do to Help?

 Well, if ya know me, ya know:  MY Favorite method is to Get Rid of or at Least Reduce PESTICIDES for the options already provided: Nature. “It’s not quick enough, it doesn’t work on infestations, my customers don’t want it” …blah blah. I have many replies to all of these, too many. Let’s just say: “It just easier to mix something in a tank and tell someone what to spray, then do it over and over for years and years so we can get paid.” I’ve done it, had a pesticide company for 15 years, I know.  So about that quick fix, infestation, lack of interest stuff-  maybe it’s all we’re taught and all we know. Maybe? Man causes most of these problems. Monocultures – including forests for consumption, poor cultural practices, lack of knowledge, Money.

 The ash trees! The Spotted Lantern Fly! The “whatever new pest is coming along” !  Given time in remote areas, Scientists and Naturalists find that nature does indeed offer solutions: Diseases, insects, animals, Natural crashes, etc. We are too busy mixing tanks to have the patience to SCOUT, observe and identify, the FIRST step to IPM/ PHC no?  I call most sprays a drone warfare type of mentality: Killing what you can’t see or identify is easy, no guilt-  no lookback.

 In fact, Drones ARE now delivering pesticides. I try not to lose sleep or my mind, but that may be too late. For example we actively killing the few beneficial needed for control,  and need pests to keep them on site, it’s a matter of thresholds. Back to pollinators.  Soap box dismounted.

 Gardens: Who do you want to attract?

Choose a variety of colors and shapes to attract a variety of visitors. Choose plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season, this includes shrubs. Plant in clumps rather than single plants for better attraction. Provide water, many insects and animals come for a refreshing drink and will then roam through the garden for a treat. Beneficial releases often leave because of dry conditions; they’re dehydrated after their long trip and need a drink. It can be in the form of dew, mist, moisture, no need for large quantities.

Habitat: Shrubs, Grasses, low growing plants. Fallen branches, tree stands- remove limbs leave stands, Stumps. Small patches of bare soil, yes certain ground insects need bare soil. Nesting blocks and houses.

 The request for more naturalized spaces is growing.

So is: The amount of misinformation, misunderstanding, hashtags, buzzwords, thirty second soundbites, impatience with an opposing idea, micro-management, groups based on One idea or agenda be it- Bees, natives, bats, environment, nature hate, etc. is growing as well.

For a society that buzzwords: Woke, inclusiveness, fair play, equality or equity, one world… we really need to do better. 

Seek information from the USDA, Universities, Scientific research papers, Researchers, your professional organizations,  your fantastic Cornell Co- op Extension people. I respect my peers, share ideas and observations, read blogs, etc. to advance knowledge but rely on data to make decisions.  

 References for the facts provided: US Fish and Wildlife Services

                        Audubon Society                     North Carolina Biology Dept.

                        Cornell University                   Xerces Society

                        Pollinator Organization                        U Penn.

                        Michael Raupp: Bug of the Week (Addicted!!)