By Diksha M.
One of the most fascinating processes of nature is that of pollination. Almost every bit of greenery that we see around us is due to this phenomenon, which has occurred over millions of years assisted by thousands of different species. We know some of the common pollinators such as bees, butterflies and birds, but what about the others? Are there more that we aren't aware of? Let's find out!
Ants, which are fairly unknown for being pollinators, facilitate pollination by walking between flowers and catching pollen between their feet, spreading it in their surroundings. Another uncommon pollinator is a type of fly known as midges, without which chocolate production would not be possible! They are responsible for spreading cacao pollen and are also the only known pollinators attracted to the cacao tree flowers. They time their pollination with the biorhythm of the flowers and enter at night when they're fully open. From now on when you're eating a bar of chocolate, think about these midges who made that happen!
Many people would be surprised to know that mosquitos aid pollination too! Male mosquitoes consume the nectar of flowers to gain energy to search for potential mates. Orchids are commonly pollinated by them, but there are other plants as well. Looks like those pesky biters are part of a larger cause.
One of the oldest pollinators in existence is beetles. They have been carrying this enormous task on their backs long before butterflies and bees existed on this planet. Beetles originated almost 150 million years ago, which is 50 million years before bees. Today, they pollinate the descendants of the plants they pollinated all those years ago such as lilies, magnolias and other fragrant flowers. Some significant beetles are the tumbling flower beetle and the sap beetle.
Bats are one of the most misunderstood mammals on the planet. Not all of them are Dracula in disguise. Bats, especially fruit bats are incredible pollinators as they are always around trees which carry flowers and fruit. They are attracted by a musty scent and go to the night-blooming flowers of the tropics and deserts, collecting pollen on themselves. As they are larger, they can pick up a lot more pollen than the average insect, and can also spread it across a variety of destinations as they travel long distances frequently. In this manner, they keep many plant populations alive. The next time Halloween comes around, make sure to let people know that they are more than just a prop for spooky effects!
Pollination is happening all the time around us, so keep an eye out to catch these beautiful creatures in their element, doing their part to sustain the health of our planet.
Further Reading:
Durhammastergardeners. (2019, September 18). Pollinator Insects Other than Bees and Butterflies. Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Durham County. https://durhammastergardeners.com/2019/09/18/pollinator-insects-other-than-bees-and-butterflies/
Osgf. (2023, December 13). Oak Spring Garden Foundation - Unsung Pollinators. Oak Spring Garden Foundation. https://www.osgf.org/blog/2023/6/13/unsung-pollinators
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