Native bees and predatory wasps share the same lineage and also share many behaviors and habitat requirements. Predatory wasps feed their offspring invertebrates (insects and spiders) and bees diverged from this carnivorous diet to feed their offspring plant-based food (pollen and nectar). ... » Learn More about Native Predatory Wasps: Their Role as Pollinators and Beneficial Insects
POLLINATORS
Specialist Bees
The monarch butterfly is probably the most famous insect specialist (the caterpillars feed only on milkweed), but did you know that many native bees are also specialists? Female native bee specialists or oligoleges, only collect pollen from a narrow range of native plants; this could mean just one ... » Learn More about Specialist Bees
Gardening for Bees and Butterflies
Learn about the life cycles of bees and butterflies including where and when they nest, forage and seek shelter and food in our landscapes. Learn about pollination and which native plants are specifically pollinated by bees or butterflies. The top native plant species for different habitats will ... » Learn More about Gardening for Bees and Butterflies
Habitat Matters: Lessons Learned From Enhancing Native Bee Habitat on Blueberry Farms
In this presentation you will learn about the current research project I am working on in Minnesota and Wisconsin blueberry farms. I discuss the project objectives and reasons for studying native bees on blueberry farms, the sampling methods, native bee candidates (for blueberry pollination ... » Learn More about Habitat Matters: Lessons Learned From Enhancing Native Bee Habitat on Blueberry Farms
The Pollination of Native Plants
This presentation is a fascinating journey showcasing the development of different flower types and the presentation of floral resources to pollinators. Exploring the types of insect pollinators, their foraging behavior, and the floral features that attract pollinators, Heather will provide many ... » Learn More about The Pollination of Native Plants