Random Fun Facts About Pollination and Pollinators!

The word ‘pollen’, has been used in science texts since 1760 and means “the fertilizing part of flowers.” Earlier in history, it meant “dust or fine flour.”

Pollinators make up a large portion of the diversity of species on planet Earth. 200,000 - 300,000 species - such as butterflies, beetles, moths, flies, mosquitoes, and bees - are estimated to serve globally as pollinators. 

The color or markings on a flower helps attract and guide insects to them for pollination. Bees are often attracted to bright blue and violet colors.

A flower’s fragrance is another way that animals are attracted to plants, especially at night when moths and bats are out.

Bats pollinate more than 300 species of fruit, including mangoes, bananas, and guavas. Some bats have very long tongues, similar to the moth’s’ proboscis. They can also hover, like hummingbirds.

Every species of fig tree depends on its own specific wasp variety for pollination. Figs have no visible flowers – the flowers hide inside the fruit.

70% of plants depend on pollinators to assist in their pollination. 

Pollinators play a role in the production of 150 food crops in the U.S., such as apples, almonds, blueberries, cranberries, kiwis, melons, pears, plums, and squash. This equals roughly 30% of the human diet. 

The honey bee industry is estimated at $14.5 billion.

The National Research Council report, Status of Pollinators in North America, states that pollinator declines are occurring. The report identifies the main causes of decline as habitat loss, pesticide use, and, especially in honey bees, diseases.

The number of managed honey bee colonies in the U.S. has decreased by more than 50 percent since 1945.

You can protect pollinators by planting native flowering plants, reducing your use of pesticides, and telling others of the danger these animals and insects are in through chemical misuse, loss of habitat, and diseases.      

Any questions about pollination or drone pollination contact Dropcopter.