Beetles, Flies, and Other Underappreciated Pollinators

While bees and butterflies often receive the spotlight in discussions about pollination, a diverse array of other insects—beetles, flies, wasps, and even ants—play crucial and often overlooked roles in plant reproduction. These underappreciated pollinators contribute significantly to both wild ecosystems and agricultural systems, often providing pollination services when bees are scarce or inactive. Understanding their contributions is essential for comprehensive pollinator conservation and sustainable agriculture.

Beetles: Ancient Pollinators

Beetles (Coleoptera) are among the oldest pollinators, having co-evolved with early flowering plants. While they may be less efficient than bees, they are important pollinators for many plant species:

• Flower Beetles: Many beetles, such as scarab beetles and soldier beetles, feed on pollen and nectar, inadvertently transferring pollen between flowers. They are particularly important for plants with open, bowl-shaped flowers like magnolias and water lilies.
• Specialized Relationships: Some plants, like certain species of magnolias and cycads, are primarily pollinated by beetles, having evolved specific adaptations to attract and accommodate these insects.

Beetles are especially important in early spring when other pollinators may be less active.

Flies: Versatile and Abundant Pollinators

Flies (Diptera) are among the most diverse and abundant pollinators, often overlooked due to their association with decay and disease:

• Hoverflies (Syrphidae): These bee-mimicking flies are important pollinators of many wildflowers and crops. They are particularly valuable in cooler climates and at higher elevations where bees may be less active.
• Bee Flies (Bombyliidae): With their long proboscises, bee flies are effective pollinators of deep-throated flowers, similar to butterflies.
• Blow Flies and Flesh Flies: While often associated with carrion, these flies also visit flowers and contribute to pollination, especially for plants with strong, often unpleasant odors that attract them.

Flies are often active earlier in the season and in cooler conditions than many bees, making them crucial for early-blooming plants.

Wasps and Ants: Occasional but Important Pollinators

While wasps and ants are primarily predators or scavengers, they also contribute to pollination:

• Wasps: Many wasp species visit flowers for nectar, transferring pollen in the process. Fig wasps have a highly specialized relationship with fig trees, being the exclusive pollinators of these plants.
• Ants: While ants are generally poor pollinators (their smooth bodies and grooming behavior reduce pollen transfer), they can be important pollinators for certain low-growing plants, especially in arid environments.

Supporting Diverse Pollinator Communities

Maintaining diverse pollinator communities provides resilience and ensures pollination services across different conditions:

• Plant Diversity: Diverse plantings attract diverse pollinators, including beetles, flies, and other underappreciated groups.
• Habitat Structure: Providing varied microhabitats—from open flowers for beetles to shallow flowers for flies—supports different pollinator groups.
• Seasonal Continuity: Ensuring flowers are available throughout the growing season supports pollinators that are active at different times.

Beetles, flies, and other underappreciated pollinators are essential components of healthy ecosystems and productive agricultural systems. By recognizing their contributions and taking steps to support diverse pollinator communities, we enhance ecosystem resilience and ensure continued pollination services in the face of environmental change.