Some of these superheroes fly, some are incredibly strong and some can see ultraviolet light … but they’re not cape-wearing characters from the Marvel or DC universe. They’re pollinators — tiny creatures doing some of the biggest jobs on Earth.
These tiny mini heroes are hard at work all around you. They help grow many of the foods we eat, support healthy ecosystems and keep flowers blooming in neighborhoods everywhere. You can find them in your backyard, at the park and in nearly every garden you see.
Let’s meet some of the super pollinators you might see here in Southern California.
Monarch Butterfly
Strengths: Wings of steel! Monarchs have strong, fortified wings that allow them to migrate thousands of miles across continents.
Challenges: Habitat loss and climate change threaten their migration and breeding grounds.
Leafhopper
Strengths: Super-skilled jumper! These tiny insects can leap up to 100 times their body length to escape predators, making them surprisingly agile pollinators.
Challenges: Changing climates and reduced plant diversity limit their food sources.
Giant Hairy Scorpion
Strengths: Ultraviolet veil! Under ultraviolet light, these desert scorpions glow, a mysterious trait that continues to puzzle researchers.
Challenges: Over-collection for the pet trade and habitat loss.
Violet Carpenter Bee
Strengths: Nectar boost! These bees feed on wildflowers to restore energy while transferring pollen from bloom to bloom.
Challenges: Pesticides threaten their survival.
These are just a few members of a much larger pollinator superhero team. Others include bees, birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, wasps and beetles. Here in California, we are home to more than 1,600 native bee species alone.
How pollinators save the day
Pollinators are vital for plant reproduction. When they visit a flower in search of food, pollen sticks to their bodies and is carried to the next bloom. This transfer allows plants to produce fruits, seeds and more flowers.
This process is essential to agriculture and growing food. In fact, roughly a third of the food we eat is thanks to pollinators. But their impact goes far beyond our plates. All kinds of animals rely on pollinators to sustain the plants they eat and use for shelter. These plants are also important to help clean the air, stabilize soil and give us natural resources like oils, fibers and seeds. Without these tiny superheroes, the environment, the plants, animals and even the everyday resources we rely on would all be at risk.
Unfortunately, unsustainable development, climate change and pesticide use pose serious threats to pollinators worldwide. Scientists estimate that up to 40% of pollinator species could face extinction if these threats continue.
How you and your family can help
The good news is that you can make a real difference for pollinators, right in your own backyard! Try these simple ways to help your local pollinator heroes thrive this spring and summer:
1. Add native, pollinator-friendly plants to your garden.
Native plants are a super powerful resource for local pollinators, providing nectar, pollen and places for larvae to grow. While non-native plants can still be visited by pollinators, native plants are perfectly adaptable to local conditions and provide the best support for local species. In some cases, a pollinator and a plant depend entirely on each other; without one, the other could not survive.
A healthy native pollinator garden includes:
- Nectar plants for energy.
- Shelter plants for resting and nesting.
- Host plants that flower and have leaves at appropriate times of the year for caterpillars and larvae.
Even small patches of native plants make a difference, giving pollinators safe homes and food in urban and suburban areas.
2. Use pollinator-friendly pest control.
Many common pesticides can harm pollinators and persist in soil and plants for months or even years. Instead, try:
- Hand-removing pests.
- Using insecticidal soap on aphids.
- Encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings as natural pest control.
- Checking the labels. Avoid neonicotinoids as they are highly toxic to pollinators, even in small amounts. Common types include imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin and dinotefuran. Look for these under “active ingredients” on store-bought pesticides. In the state of California, look for seeds and plants labeled “neonic free.”
3. Reduce lawn areas.
Replace high-maintenance turf grass with native perennials, which provide food and shelter for pollinators while conserving water and reducing chemical use.
4. Join the western Monarch Milkweed Mapper Project.
Become a community scientist and help track monarchs and milkweed! By recording your sightings, you can help scientists develop a more accurate count of monarch butterfly populations and contribute to the research of their migratory patterns. Click here to learn more.
Want more pollinator fun?
Families can dive into the world of pollinators like never before at Mission: Pollination! at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. This interactive, family-friendly adventure runs in Palm Desert through April 30. Guests of all ages can explore colorful gardens buzzing with bees, fluttering butterflies and vibrant blooms.
Along the way, discover dozens of supersized pollinators and learn about their amazing superpowers. Junior explorers can also enjoy an interactive maze and a park-wide game to collect special pollinator trading cards.
The Living Desert and Zoo Gardens is located in Palm Desert. Learn more at LivingDesert.org/Pollinators.
