|
butterflies and other pollinators
pollinators
are organisms which aid in the transfer of pollen to allow
for the fertilization of plants essential to fruit and seed
production. While some plants, such as grasses, have very
light pollen which can be transferred by wind, about 80%
of flowering plants are dependant on pollinators to help
them transfer their pollen.
A
pollinator goes to a flower seeking nectar and in the process
pollen from the male part of the flower sticks to the pollinator's
legs or other parts of its body. When it flies on to another
flower of the same type, the pollen is deposited on the
female part of the plant. This allows the plant to reproduce
by creating seeds and fruit.
When
people think of pollination, many focus on bees. Bees are
the principal pollinators, but there are other important
pollinators as well. These include other insects such as
flies, moths, butterflies, wasps, and even some beetles.
They also include hummingbirds and bats.
the
importance of pollinators | threats to
pollinators | creating a pollinators'
paradise | a diversity of pollinators
the
importance of pollinators
Many
of the foods we eat could not be produced without pollinators.
Apples, blueberries, grapes, watermelon, carrots, squash,
cocoa, cotton, cherries, and peaches are just a few examples
of the crops which are dependent on pollinators for their
production. Many wildflowers also rely on pollinators. Without
their services we would not be able to grow the majority
of our food crops or enjoy the flowers around us.
threats
to pollinators
Many of the pollinators we depend on are under threat. Some
crops are showing decreases in production due to a shortage
of pollinators. Farmers are having to import and raise pollinators
to ensure good production of their crops.
The
main threat facing pollinators is loss of their habitat.
Expanding urbanization is eating up the habitat of many
of these creatures. As native vegetation is replaced by
exotic garden plants, large expanses of lawn, and roadways,
pollinators lose the resources that are necessary for their
survival. The loss of milkweed from many areas, for example,
threatens the monarch butterfly which will only lay its
eggs on this plant.
Pesticides
are also taking their toll. Insecticides aimed at pest species
also kill off the pollinators necessary to the crop's production.
Herbicides deplete the landscape of "weeds" essential to
the pollinator's survival. This is especially true for butterflies
which are dependant on many "weed" species for the survival
of their larvae or caterpillars. The Monarch butterfly,
for example, is unable to survive without the presence of
milkweed.
We
can help ease this pressure and create a pollinators' paradise
with some thoughtful gardening and a little planning.
creating
a pollinators' paradise
To welcome pollinators to your garden
consider the following tips:
- Plant
a diversity of blooms to meet the needs of a diversity
of pollinators.
- Pick
a sunny, preferably sheltered spot.
-
If you don't have a large yard try putting out a few container
plants to attract passing pollinators.
- Choose
native flowers that are abundant in nectar and pollen.
(Exotic flowers are typically bred for showiness and may
not yield nectar and pollen).
- Plant
for a spectrum of blooming times to provide food for pollinators
from spring through to fall.
- Shrubs
and trees, such as dogwood, blueberry, cherry, plum, willow,
and poplar will provide pollen or nectar, or both, early
in the season when food is scarce.
- Satisfy
the thirst of pollinators in the hot dry summer by providing
water in a shallow dish, bowl, or birdbath, with half-submerged
stones as perches.
- A
muddy spot, which can be created using the trickle
effect, will provide essential nutrients
to butterflies and nesting materials to many bees.
- To
meet shelter requirements, allow a corner of your yard
to go "wild" with grasses, weeds, native wildflowers,
and brush.
- Leave
an area of bare, sandy soil for bees which nest underground.
- Make
nesting structures for smaller bees out of bundles of
drinking straws or woody stems hung in a tree. For larger
bees make a bee
bungalow.
- Pesticides
are a pollinator's worst enemy. If absolutely necessary,
apply only organic pesticides sparingly and selectively,
after sundown when most pollinators are inactive.
- There's lots you can do to attract hummingbirds. Learn more here.
a
diversity of pollinators
To attract a variety of pollinators, consider their different
preferences:
|
Pollinator
|
Preference
|
|
Pollinating
beetles (such as long-horned and soldier beetles)
|
Wide-open
flowers, including goldenrod, asters, sunflowers,
and butterfly weed, which allow easy access to their
pollen, are preferred.
|
|
Hover
flies and small bees
|
Because
of their short tongues, they prefer packed clusters
of tiny flowers. Plant such flowers as marigold, coneflower,
daisy, butterfly weed, and aromatic herbs to meet
their pollinating needs.
|
|
Large
bees, moths, and most butterflies
|
Since
bees and most butterflies can't see the colour red,
they prefer blooms of other hues, including dogbane,
asters, goldenrod, fleabane, red clover, marigold,
and globethistle. However, they are drawn to some
red flowers, such as bee balm, that reflect ultraviolet
light.
|
|
Hummingbirds
and white and swallowtail butterflies
|
Because
of their longer tongues, they tend to favour trumpet-
or bell-shaped flowers. They are attracted to red
flowers, including honeysuckle, salvia, day lilies,
primrose, blazing star, jewelweed, fireweed, wild
geranium, phlox, and cardinal flower.
|
|
All
butterflies
|
Butterflies
have the added requirement of food sources for their
larvae and places to lay their eggs and pupate. Milkweed,
clover, violets, asters, lupines, black-eyed Susan,
and sedum are favourites. They are also happy with
trees such as birches, aspen, willow, hackberry, cherry,
and oak.
|
top
 QuickPrint
|
