About Pollinators
Pollination happens when pollen moves from the male-producing parts of flowers to receptive female parts. Wind performs much pollination, but insects are essential for many wild plants and crops.
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Bees
Bees are among the best-known pollinators.
Learn MoreButterflies and Moths
Many butterflies and moths carry pollen while drinking nectar.
Learn MoreFlies
Flies are major pollinators in many ecosystems.
Learn MoreBeetles
Beetles pollinated flowers long before bees evolved.
Learn MoreCrops
Many fruit, nut, vegetable, and seed crops benefit from animal pollination.
Learn MorePollination Networks
One plant can have many pollinators, and one insect can visit many plants.
Learn MoreThreats
Habitat loss, pesticides, disease, invasive species, and climate change can affect pollinators.
Learn MoreHelping Pollinators
Native flowering plants and reduced pesticide exposure can support pollinators.
Learn MoreBees
Their bodies collect pollen while they visit flowers for nectar and pollen food.
Butterflies and Moths
Long-tongued moths can pollinate flowers that other insects cannot easily reach.
Flies
Hoverflies are especially important, and some plants rely heavily on flies.
Beetles
Some flowers visited by beetles are sturdy and produce strong odors.
Crops
Pollination can affect yield, fruit shape, and seed production.
Pollination Networks
These networks make ecosystems more resilient when species overlap in function.
Threats
Effects differ greatly by species and region.
Helping Pollinators
Leaving some stems, bare soil, and leaf litter can also provide nesting habitat for native insects.