When you hear the word pollinator, your mind might jump straight to bees—and you're not wrong! But pollinators are a diverse and essential group of animals that quietly keep our ecosystems running and our gardens growing. Without them, many of the foods we eat and the flowers we enjoy simply wouldn't exist.
So what is a pollinator, exactly? Let’s break it down.
What Is Pollination?
Pollination is the process of moving pollen from the male part of a flower (the anther) to the female part (the stigma). This transfer allows the plant to produce seeds and fruit. While some plants rely on wind or water to move pollen, the majority depend on animals—that’s where pollinators come in.
What Are Pollinators?
Pollinators are animals—mostly insects and birds—that visit flowers for food (usually nectar or pollen) and accidentally transfer pollen in the process. While feeding, they brush against the flower’s reproductive parts, and pollen sticks to their bodies. When they visit the next flower, some of that pollen rubs off, resulting in fertilization.
Common pollinators in the United States include:
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Honey bees and native bees
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Butterflies and moths
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Beetles
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Flies (yes, even flies!)
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Hummingbirds
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Bats (in the Southwest)
Each species has its own strengths and preferences, but together, they pollinate more than 75% of flowering plants and about 1 in every 3 bites of food we eat.
Why Pollinators Matter
Pollinators are essential to both wild ecosystems and agriculture. They help plants reproduce, which leads to the growth of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and flowers. This not only feeds people—it also feeds wildlife and supports healthy soil, clean air, and biodiversity.
Without pollinators, many crops—including apples, almonds, squash, blueberries, and coffee—would see drastic declines in yield and quality.
The Pollinator Problem
Unfortunately, pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, and climate change. Honey bee colonies have struggled with issues like colony collapse disorder, while many native bee species face habitat fragmentation and food shortages.
How You Can Help
The good news? You can make a big difference right in your own backyard:
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Plant native wildflowers and flowering plants that bloom throughout the growing season.
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Avoid or limit pesticides, especially those harmful to bees.
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Provide nesting spaces like bare soil patches or bee hotels.
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Leave some wild areas in your yard—pollinators love them!
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Support local farms that use pollinator-friendly practices.
In Short…
Pollinators are the unsung heroes of our gardens, farms, and forests. They may be small, but their impact is massive. Whether it’s a buzzing bee, a fluttering butterfly, or a zooming hummingbird, every visit to a flower helps keep our food systems and ecosystems thriving.
So next time you see a pollinator at work, take a moment to appreciate the incredible job they’re doing—and consider how you can return the favor.
