Why Pollinators Matter

THE INSECTS (AND OTHERS) THAT KEEP OUR ECOSYSTEMS THRIVING

Pollinators move pollen from one flower to another, allowing plants to produce seeds and fruit.

While bees are the most well-known pollinators, many other insects, and even some birds, play an important role.

Who Are The Pollinators?Bees and Other Pollinators

Native Bees

Ontario is home to hundreds of native bee species, most of which are solitary and non-aggressive. Common types include:

Bumble bees
Mason bees
Leafcutter bees
Mining (ground-nesting) bees

Most native bees:

Nest in soil, hollow stems, or wood cavities
Are active for only part of the growing season
Rarely sting unless handled

Native bees are often more effective pollinators than honey bees for many native plants.

Butterflies

Butterflies feed on nectar and help pollinate flowers as they move between plants.Important species include:

Monarch butterflies (which rely on milkweed for reproduction)
Swallowtails
Painted ladies

Butterflies need:

Nectar plants for adults
Host plants where caterpillars can feed

Pollinators support:

Wildflowers and native plants
Birds and wildlife that depend on seeds and insects
Food crops and fruit production
Healthy forests, wetlands, and shorelines

Without pollinators, many plant species, and the ecosystems they support, would decline.

Pollinators Are in Decline

Many species face threats from:

Habitat loss
Pesticide use
Climate change
Loss of native plants
Overly tidy landscapes

Simple actions like planting native flowers, reducing pesticides, and leaving natural areas undisturbed can make a big difference.

Moths

Many moths pollinate flowers at night. They:

Support nighttime plant pollination
Serve as a critical food source for birds and other wildlife
Overwinter in leaf litter, soil, or plant stems

Leaving leaves and garden debris through winter helps protect them.

Flies and Beetles

These often-overlooked insects are valuable pollinators, carrying out about one-third of pollination services, making them very important to our food and ecosystems.

Hoverflies (flowerflies) resemble small bees and are excellent pollinators
Many species of beetles pollinate early or low-growing flowers
Some flies also help control garden pests

Hummingbirds

While not insects, hummingbirds are important pollinators for certain tubular flowers such as bee balm and cardinal flower.

EVERYONE CAN HELP

Whether you garden, maintain a shoreline, or simply leave a patch of yard natural, you can support pollinators.

Small changes across many properties create the connected habitat these species need to survive.

RESOURCES

Favourite Native Host Plants Action for Pollinators Fabulous Flies Powerful Pollinators BUY: Field Guide to the Flower Flies of Northeastern North America