The Bees' Needs

    That pollinators are important to humans cannot be overstated. Most of our fruits, nuts, and vegetables are a result of animal pollinators such as bees. Honey bees as well as native bees comprise the most of the pollen-carrying workforce in nature as well as for many agricultural crops. There are an estimated 20,000 species of wild bees worldwide according to the National Wildlife Federation. They count about 4,000 native bee species in North America. While honey bees, which are not native to North America, utilize pollen for hive food, their plant propagation effort is accidental just as it is for native pollinators. They pick up pollen on their legs and body while visiting flowers and distribute it to other flowers during their nectaring adventures. In a sense they are unknowing employees of plants. 

     In our own little patch of earth, I plant and promote pollinator plants including the very showy Purple Prairie-clover. Observations from this past year proved this plant to be a favorite of not only our local honey bee colonies but wild bees and wasps as well. There have been some research and concerns about honey bees competing with native bee populations for food and space. I pay attention to this possibility in my own fields. Anecdotal observations have limited value in science but I find these interactions interesting. Here are a few examples of the love affair these insects have with this beautiful plant.

A Honey bee already carrying a packet of pollen 
approaches a Purple Prairie-clover flower .

Bumble bees love clover flowers.

A Scoliid wasp takes its turn.

Not a pollinator but a predator, this robber fly waited
patiently to snatch a honey bee.

A Scoliid wasp nectars at this White Prairie-clover.

A honey bee shares this plant with several other
pollinators including Halictid sweat bees.

Three native Halictids enjoy this clover flower.

A healthy prairie supporting a wide variety of native plants is the
best food table for native pollinators. A healthy prairie supports
species which flower at different times through the year which is
a critical need for our native insects.