Pollinators
Pollinators
Reviewed April 2025 | Written by: Grace Ferry and Brian Kunkel
What Pollinators Do For Us
Pollinators are critical to our food production system
More than 100 U.S.-grown crops rely on pollinators
The Honey Bee is our primary pollinator
Common Name: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail; Dense Blazing Star
Scientific Name: Papilio glaucus; Liatris spicata
This native plant helps improve the ecosystem while also attracting native Lepidoptera pollinators.
Common Name: Western Honey Bee
Scientific Name: Apis mellifera
Most common in Delaware
Pollinate crops & produce honey
Pollen basket attached to the hind leg
Common Name: American HoverFly
Scientific Name: Eupeodes americanus
Diptera
Native to North America
Accidental pollinators
Other Native Pollinators:
Mason bees, Leaf cutters, Cuckoo bees.
These pollinators all have different characteristics. For example, the Mason bee (Above, Osmia lignaria) is blue!
Common Name: Red Necked False Blister Beetle
Scientific Name: Asclera ruficollis
Some pollinators come from the order Coleoptera. This beetle has hardened elytra, which is a major characteristic of Coleoptera. They are frequently found on flowers, because that is where they mate, and pollen is a big part of their diet. Be careful dealing with them, because they do have toxic defense chemicals.
Ways to Promote Pollinator Activity
Plant native species
Avoid / limit pesticide use
Provide water and shelter
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