A summary of, Attracting Native Pollinators, a guide published by the Xerces Society.
Part 2 of 4 There are 20,000 or more species of bees in the word with over 200 species occurring within the city limits of St Louis. Bees can be difficult to identify without using a microscope but there are a few easy features to use to tell a bee from their look alike wasps and flies. Wasps are more flamboyantly colored, are less hairy, and never carry pollen. Flies have only 2 wings, are less hairy, have larger eyes closer to the top of the head, shorter antennae, and don't carry pollen. Many flies try to mimic bees and wasps for protection so they are hard to tell apart. Some flies and wasps can even fool bees with their mimicry.
Native bees are more effective at pollinating then honey bees. This is especially true with native plants that have co-evolved with native bees and have flower parts that are specially designed to be compatible with the local bees. Pollinators play an essential role in the ecosystem. Pollinators help fertilize seeds, nuts, fruits and berries. They are a food source for birds, fish, predator insects, and some mammals. pollinators are an essential and large part of the food web. Pollinator conservation can happen anywhere. It provides a community with and opportunity to build environment awareness. Pollinator conservation enriches an area by providing habitat for other plants and animals. Managing an area for wildlife often is cheaper and easier than maintaining a manicured lawn area. Citizens can educate public leaders and agencies about pollinator conservation by advising on management of public areas. Help local conservation groups manage conservation areas for pollinators. Contact local park managers about minimizing pesticide use and especially limiting mosquito spraying to protect pollinators. Help influential people in the community understand the importance of pollinators and how to protect them. Engage the local community in pollinator education events where good management practices are used.
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