North Dakota Pollinators

So, just how many pollinators can you find here in North Dakota? Answer: A lot more than bees! There are many pollinators native to our state, and some might even surprise you.

Hover over each card below to learn more about our pollinators.

Butterflies
  • Butterflies are usually active during the day
  • They prefer flat, clustered flowers that provide a landing pad
  • They need open, sunny areas and moist soil for the minerals they wick
  • They are not as efficient as bees when moving pollen
  • North Dakota has 150+ species of butterflies
Moths
  • Most moths are active at night
  • They are attracted to flowers with a strong sweet smell and usually a pale or white color
  • Moths typically prefer flowers in clusters that provide a landing pad
  • North Dakota has 1,400 species of moths
Bees
  • Out of any pollinator, bees visit the widest range of flowers and crops
  • Bees typically visit flowers that are full of nectar, brightly colored, aromatic and provide landing pads
  • Most bee species are solitary
  • North Dakota has an unknown number of native bees (probably several hundred!)
Beetles
  • Beetles are some of the first insects to visit plants
  • They do not have the greatest reputation, as they tend to damage the flower petals and other plant parts as they eat the pollen
  • Beetles typically pollinate plants that are large, strongly scented and have the anthers and stigma exposed
Flies
  • Flies are one of the most diverse pollinator groups
  • They are normally attracted to plants with pale or dull flowers that have a putrid odor
Birds
  • In North America, hummingbirds are the primary birds that pollinate wildflowers
  • They use their long beaks and tongues to extract pollen
  • Hummingbirds typically visit flowers that have tubes, funnels or cups, strong supports for perching, are brightly colored and odorless

Did You Know?

Although honey bees are not native to North Dakota, we are the top producing state in the nation for honey! But when it comes to moving pollen, native bees are better are more efficient than honey bees in many ways. 

 

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