USDA Forest Service Celebrating Wildflowers
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Pollinator of the MonthPollinator of the MonthBee Flies (Bombylius spp.)Early, in the spring it is easy to see some furry insects flying and hovering just above ground. These are flies of the genus Bombylius, members of a large family of flies, Bombyliidae, known as bee flies. Pollinator of the Month will highlight the interdependency of certain species of native North American wildflowers and their animal pollinators. Most plants have a flower morphology, color, blooming period, and/or scent that will attract a particular type of pollinator to reap its food rewards of nectar and pollen. For some species, the co-evolved relationship between plant and pollinator can be so interconnected that the disappearance of one can signal the extinction of the other. Likewise, efforts to conserve or restore plant communities should pay special attention to the needs of the pollinators associated with those plants in order to promote long-term success. Pollinator of the Month demonstrates the beautiful dance between native plants and their pollinators found in a variety of ecosystems across the United States. Previous Pollinators of the MonthThe thumbnail links below are an archive of previous Pollinator of the Month descriptions. |
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Location: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/index.shtml
Last modified: Friday, 29-Aug-2008 15:13:36 EDT