ELI ON EARTH: Pollinators

Honeybee collecting pollen for developing offspring. 

Native to Europe, Honeybees are the most recognized insects in the animal kingdom and are responsible for pollinating an estimated one of every three bites of food we eat. While honeybees remain a highly prized and economically important insect, Michigan is also home to over 400 other native bee species and a plethora of other pollinators including bats, butterflies, birds, and other insects. Apples, squash, strawberries, almonds, avocados and over one hundred other fruits and vegetables rely solely on pollinators to grow.  

Pollination is the result of pollen from the stamen (male part of the flower) transferring to the stigma (female part of the same or different flower), resulting in the production of fruits or seeds. Not all flowers require the same type of pollination or attract the same pollinators, “Pollinator Syndromes” refer to flower traits that appeal to specific pollinators.  These traits include flower shape, size, color, scent, nectar composition, timing of flower, etc. For example, dull white, green or purple flowers emitting strong musty odors at night attracting bats while tubular scarlet flowers with ample amounts of nectar attract birds. Flowers produce nectar, a mixture of water and sugar, as an attractant and reward for pollinators.

Because they spend the majority of their life collecting pollen, bees are the most common insect pollinator. While collecting pollen as protein for their developing offspring, they inadvertently attract pollen grains to hairs on their body. Bees have stiff hairs on their legs, enabling them to groom pollen into specialized brushes or pockets, making the pollen easier to carry to their nest. Bees also make great pollinators because they tend to focus on one type of flower at a time, increasing the likelihood that pollen will be transferred to another flower of the same species. This is also known as cross-pollination and is required by most plants.

Bees can be found in a variety of habitats, most commonly they dig nests in the ground, but they can also be found in boring holes of plant stems and wood, or nesting in galleries made by wood-boring beetles in trees or other cavities.

Pollinator populations, and specifically bee populations, are dwindling at an alarming rate due to habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, and parasitic mites. There are many lifestyle and landscaping practices you can implement to improve bee populations in your area. Planting a pollinator garden is probably the easiest practice; be sure to provide a wide diversity of native plants with various bloom times and nectar options.

It is also helpful to plant flowers in clumps as opposed to single plants to attract pollinators. Nesting sites are also critical, and different pollinators have different needs. If interested in attracting native bees, simply maintaining a small, undisturbed patch of well-drained bare ground facing south should be enough for some species. Lastly, avoid or limit the use of pesticides. Pesticides can leave residues that kill pollinators for several days after being applied. If necessary, avoid applying when wildflowers are in bloom and apply in late afternoon or evening when most pollinators are not as active.

Backyard beekeeping is also becoming easier for urban landowners and is a great way to provide pollination services to your garden. While there is a lot to learn in order to be a successful beekeeper, even novices can have fun. “... we have turned our front lawn into a perennial garden with no more grass to mow. We thought maybe we could help bees in a small way by getting a hive, and then there’s always the lure of pure honey made right in your backyard… how sweet is that!” claimed Ken Sperber, first year beehive owner and long-time East Lansing resident.

If you are interested in learning more about pollinators and how you can help visit the Pollinator Partnership website (http://www.pollinator.org). The Pollinator Partnership is largest non-profit in the world dedicated exclusively to the protection and promotion of pollinators and their ecosystems.

Photo by John Severns