Bee’s: Our Planet's Pollinators

Flowers. Stripes. Stings. These three things are what most people think about when we say the word: Bee. But, bees, like all of our planet's pollinators, are so much more important than what meets the eyes.

Pollination is essential for a plant to reproduce. Pollinators collect pollen from the anthers (or the male part of a plant), then, taking that pollen, the pollinator goes to another flower, where the pollen sticks to the stigma (the female part of a plant). Later, this plant can reproduce because it is fertilized. This process is very important to our planet. Since crops and other food sources need to reproduce, pollinators are what keeps our food in balance. But something terrible is happening. Pollinators, which include; insects, birds, rodents, and monkeys, are dying due to habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, and other harmful ways. We need to help our earth's pollinators by learning, changing, and teaching.

One of earth's greatest, and by far most famous, pollinators are the bees. There are over 20,000 different species of bees, varying both in size and color, but, they all are similar in one way. They are all pollinators! About 90% of wild plants depend on pollinators. 75% of crops depend on pollinators and are 5 times more valuable if they are pollinated. This illustrates the importance of pollinators and their roles in helping the earth remain stable.

Bees can be found in many places, to list a few: marshes, roof shingles, sand dunes, soft cliffs, heathlands, wetlands, chalk grasslands, quarries, gravel pits, sea walls, and even post-industrial land. However, even though bees are very widespread, their flowers are being lost due to construction, farming, and climate change.

Still, there are many things we can do to help bees and other pollinators. One important way you can help is by knowing what to do if you find a hurt or struggling bee. Around springtime, many bees need to recuperate, which causes exhaustion. First, look around, if you can find any bee-friendly flowers you can gently place the bee there via paper. Secondly, if you cannot find any flowers, make a mixture of half water half white sugar. Use a teaspoon or bottle cap to help the bee regain strength. This mixture will provide the bee with the right nutrients it needs to fly.

Another way to help bees is to spread the word about their predicament and to encourage people to learn more about them, and the steps you can take to help them.

One last way to help is by creating a bee-friendly garden, whether that be on your balcony, windowsill, or garden. Add assorted cottage garden flowers and wild flowers to make your bee’s happy! A few examples are: primrose, buddleia, and marigolds. These assorted flowers will ensure your bees have the right ingredients to live a happy life. Remember: please DO NOT use pesticides, because they can kill bees and other pollinators.

Fun Facts:

1. Bees actually have four wings, the two on each side hook together when they are flying and unhook when the are not

2. Bees have an intricate dance named the “waggle dance” . It is in fact not a dance, but rather a way of communicating. This is how they tell other bees where to find the best source of food

3. A buff tailed bee has a brain the size of a poppy seed. Scientists taught them to play “bee soccer” with little goals with the reward of a sugary treat

Sources:

WWF UK