Types of Pollinators: A Guide

Pollinators are some of the most important creatures in nature, helping plants reproduce and ecosystems thrive.

Without pollinators, many plant species, including wildflowers, trees, and crops, would struggle to produce seeds, fruit, and new plants. In fact, a huge variety of the food we eat depends on pollination carried out by insects.

In this guide, we’ll explore what pollination is, why it is so important, the different types of pollination, and the insect pollinators you might spot in your garden, from bumblebees and solitary bees to butterflies, moths, beetles, and hoverflies.

What is pollination?

Pollination is how plant species produce offspring. Flowering plants reproduce by having pollinators transfer pollen grains from the male part (anther and stamen) of the flower to the female part (stigma).

This allows the plants to reproduce by fertilising the egg cells to make seeds. To attract pollinators, flowering plants have nectar (a sugary liquid) that insects can feed on. The bright colours signal to insects that the plant will have tasty nectar.

Why is pollination important?

Pollination allows plants to reproduce, fertilise, and produce fruit and nuts. At the foundation of food security, there is pollination, as over a third of the world's global crops rely on pollination from insects; they also play a vital role in our ecosystem. The vast majority of wildflowers also rely on bees and other insects for pollination.

Climate change, toxic pesticides, and habitat loss are a threat to the global food system, which is why it's important to start looking after our pollinators!

Types of pollination

Self pollination

Self-pollination occurs when pollen from one flower fertilises the female part of the same flower, or another flower on one plant. This means the plant does not need pollen from a different flower or another plant in order to reproduce.

Some flowering plants have evolved to rely on self-pollination because it ensures they can still produce offspring even if insect pollinators or other animals are not present. In this process, pollen from the male part of the flower moves directly to the female stigma, allowing the plant to become fertilised and produce seeds.

Cross pollination

Cross-pollination occurs when pollen is transferred from one plant to other plant of the same species. This process often involves insect pollinators, the wind, or other animals carrying pollen between flowers.

Many plants rely on insects such as bees, butterflies, beetles, flies, and hoverflies to move pollen between flowers while they extract nectar. As insects land on flowers to feed, pollen sticks to their bodies and is carried to the female part of another flower.

Insect Pollinators you might spot in your garden

Solitary Bees & Honeybees & Bumblebees

Among all pollinators, bees are some of the most important and are responsible for the vast majority of insect pollination. Solitary bees are extremely effective pollinators and pollinate many wildflowers, trees, and plants. Unlike honeybees, solitary bees do not live in colonies and often build nests in hollow stems, cavities, or even animal burrows.

Bumblebees are powerful pollinators with large, hairy bodies that easily collect pollen. Their long tongue allows them to reach nectar in deeper flowers. Honeybees live in large colonies and visit thousands of flowers, making them vital for pollinating crops and other plants.

Hoverflies

Hoverflies are a type of fly, often mistaken for bees or wasps; however, they are harmless and beneficial to the environment. They frequently visit flowers to feed on nectar and pollen, moving between flowering plants. Species such as the marmalade hoverfly are common in gardens and meadows.

Beetles

Beetles are actually among the earliest known pollinators, and they still play a role in pollination today! As beetles search for food by crawling across flowers, they pick up pollen grains on their bodies, transferring this to different, new plants, allowing them to become fertilised.

Moths

Active at night, moths are still just as important as other pollinators. They visit flowers to drink nectar, transferring pollen as they move. Many species of moths have long proboscis, so they can reach nectar deep within the flower.

Plants that rely on moth pollination often have pale flowers that release strong scents in the evening.

Butterflies

Butterflies are well-known pollinators; they use their long proboscis to drink nectar, the sugary liquid found in flowers. Butterflies are attracted to bright colours such as purple, pink, yellow, and red. They often prefer flowers that provide a flat landing surface while they feed.

Do Common Wasps pollinate?

Yes, wasps can and do pollinate. They are considered generalist pollinators and will visit many plant species to extract nectar, helping in areas where other pollinators may be struggling. They do tend to be less efficient than bees, but this is just because they don't have a fuzzy body - they are still important pollinators.

All types of pollinators play a crucial role in supporting our ecosystems ad food production! We must welcome them into our gardens by planting bee-friendly flowers, adding bug hotels, and supporting these essential species.