Pollinators Are Important!

Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, bats,

and numerous other insect species (flies, beetles, wasps, and ants)
are vital to the functioning of natural and agricultural ecosystems.
Flowering plants, including many crops, attract pollinators with food
sources such as nectar. As they visit different flowers, pollinators
pick up and then transfer pollen between flowers, fertilizing the
flowers and allowing them to set seed.

FCX Miami Long-term population trends, however, show evidence of declines in

most pollinator species. Threats to pollinators include changing
land-use patterns, pesticides, climate change, and invasive
species. A conservative estimate of pollinators’ value to the
agricultural industry is $213 billion annually. Conservation of native
bees is particularly important because they are much more effective
pollinators than European honeybees. Declines in native pollinator
FCX Morenci populations could therefore have large scale negative impacts on

agriculture and overall ecosystem health.

Creating quality habitat that can support diverse

species of pollinators is critical to maintaining pollinator
populations in North America. An easy and visually
appealing way to create pollinator habitat is to install a
pollinator garden or adapt existing landscaping with
native pollinator-friendly plants.

When creating pollinator habitat, it is important to

ensure that all of pollinators’ habitat needs (food,
Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, Chandler, AZ
water, cover, and space) are met:

Food Nectar, pollen, herbaceous forage (caterpillars)

Cover Trees, shrubs, vines, and tall herbaceous vegetation provide cover from predators
and the elements. Butterflies also lay their eggs on host plants specific to the
species.
Native bees also need nesting cover, including bare soil, wood (snags and bee
blocks), and hollow reeds.
Water Most moisture needs are derived from nectar. Butterflies will also use water
features (e.g., mud puddles) to obtain minerals.
Space Planting a pollinator garden provides higher-quality space for pollinators to
complete their life cycle functions where no space or lower-quality space existed
previously.
When choosing species for your pollinator habitat,
consider the following:
• Select only native plant species
• Choose a variety of flowering plants with a variety of
colors, fragrances, blooming seasons, and heights
• Include larval host plants for caterpillars

FCX Sierrita

Why use native plants?

Native plants provide greater value to pollinators than

non-native plants. They also require less maintenance
with irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Recommended Links:

• NAPPC - suggested planting lists based on

ecoregion:
pollinator.org/guides.htm

• The Xerces Society – pollinator conservation

resources for the Southwest region:
http://www.xerces.org/pollinators-southwest-region/

• U.S. Forest Service:

http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

http://www.fws.gov/pollinators/

• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – Migratory

Pollinators Program:
http://www.desertmuseum.org/pollination/

Winner, Residential Category:

Sonoran-Desert Museum Xeriscape Contest