Over 100,000 invertebrate species — such as bees, moths, butterflies, beetles, and flies — serve as pollinators worldwide. // ]]>. Pollinators are flower visitors that transfer pollen from the male anther to the female stigma of flowers of the same species. PO Box 73619 With more than 700 native species in Canada, bees are the most common pollinator. A number of factors are seen as potential contributors to these declines and no single factor has been identified as the cause. They drink nectar from blooms with open or deep flowers and pollinate many of them from the pollen that gets caught on their upper body. Adult monarchs feed on all sorts of flowers, but they only lay their eggs on milkweed. Pollinators include bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies and moths, bats and birds (there are no pollinating bats in Canada; thank them if you're fond of tequila). This pretty blue and white species of columbine grows in the north and west of Canada, as far east as Ontario. Flies visit flowers to feed on pollen or nectar, moving pollen on their bristly bodies as a result. Flies and spiders are a source of protein and fat for hummingbirds, like this male rufous hummingbird shown near the wild columbine whose flowers provide carbohydrates. Pollinators are essential for continued plant growth in the wild. With habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change affecting pollinator health, there’s a lot at risk. They transfer pollen that sticks to their bodies as they travel from flower to flower. Native pollinators and agriculture in Canada. Volunteer for pollinator friendly organizations. Don’t worry if you notice these bees nesting in your lawn; their stinger isn’t strong enough to puncture human skin. This process is known as pollination. Sunflowers provide a great landing spot for pollinating species such as flies, beetles, bees and wasps, as well as attracting butterflies and moths. The main pollinators in our ecosystems are native bees, flies, butterflies, wasps, birds, and beetles. Native to Yukon and British Columbia to Newfoundland. © 2020 Canadian Wildlife Federation. Some pollinators, such as hummingbirds and monarch butterflies migrate, from one country to another. Ontario Nature Youth Council member Aidan Brushett shares some tips on how you can take action to protect pollinators, starting in your own community. Paru également en français sous le titre Les insectes pollinisateurs indigènes et l’agriculture au Canada For more information, reach us at www.agr.gc.ca or call us toll-free at 1-855-773-0241. 3 They lay several eggs, each in its own chamber, with walls made from mud or chewed leaves. Importance of Pollinators. Charitable registration # 10686 8755 RR0001, //