As the chill of winter fades away and the warmth of spring emerges, the natural world undergoes a remarkable transformation, which we are seeing play out now. One of the most captivating aspects of this seasonal shift is the bustling activity of bees and other pollinators. These tiny yet mighty creatures play an indispensable role in the renewal of life with their natural pollination abilities, making springtime a season of abundant growth and vibrant beauty. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of pollinators and celebrate the wonders of spring.
What is Pollination?
Pollination is the act of transferring pollen grains from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma. The goal of every living organism, including plants, is to create offspring for the next generation. Nearly all plants in this world need to be pollinated and about 80% of the crop plants grown around the world need to be pollinated by bees, insects, birds, or other animals. The remaining 20% rely on wind and water.
In the fall, prior to winter setting in, pollinators prepare for hibernation. Once temperatures begin to drop, where do pollinators go? Honeybees survive the winter in their hives by cuddling together and vibrating their bodies to create heat.
The Importance of Pollinators
Without pollinators, the ecosystems of the earth would not survive! The significance of pollinators, particularly bees, cannot be overstated. It is estimated that one-third of the world’s food crops depend on pollination, with bees being responsible for pollinating a significant portion of these crops. From apples and almonds to tomatoes and strawberries, many of the foods we rely on for sustenance and enjoyment owe their existence to the diligent work of pollinators.
Beyond agricultural crops, pollinators play a critical role in maintaining the health and diversity of natural ecosystems. They facilitate the reproduction of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees, providing essential habitat and food sources for a wide range of other wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects.
The World of Bees
Bees have long captured the imagination of humans with their intricate social structures, remarkable communication skills, and unparalleled work ethic. There are over 20,000 known species of bees worldwide, each adapted to thrive in diverse environments ranging from tropical forests to arid deserts. Among these, the honeybee (Apis mellifera) stands out as one of the most iconic and economically significant species.
Within a beehive, tens of thousands of individual bees work together in perfect harmony to sustain the colony. The queen bee reigns supreme, laying eggs to replenish the population, while worker bees diligently forage for nectar and pollen to feed the hive. Male drones, whose sole purpose is to mate with the queen, complete the intricate social hierarchy of the hive.
During the winter, the entire bumblebee hive dies off except for the queen who is the egg bearer. She will locate a place to ride out winter deep underground and emerge in spring to lay eggs and begin a new colony. Other solitary native bees will pupate in leaf litter or tree holes created by wood-boring insects. Bugs don’t suddenly disappear when the weather turns cold. Most move deeper underground, seek out shelter, or move to a warmer climate.
How Butterflies Survive the Winter
Some butterflies and birds migrate south. But the majority of butterfly and moth species don’t migrate. They survive the winter by entering a period of suspended development. In this state, they can overwinter in one of the four life stages either in egg form, chrysalis, or in the case of the mourning cloak butterfly, as an adult where it’s able to change the water in its body with an antifreeze.
Hibernation
Most insects do not function well at temperatures below 50°F, but they do not typically freeze until temperatures are well below -4°F. This is because Insects have developed the ability to produce glycerol and other alcohol substances that act like antifreeze. Other insects survive the winter as larvae, nymph or egg stage.
During the hibernation stage, pollinators will live off body fats or stored food supplies. But by March, supplies are low and the need for more food becomes essential.
This is where nature has stepped in to help the pollinators survive.
Winter Flowering Plants
Witch Hazel Plant
Winter flowering plants such as Witch Hazel, Mahonia, Hellebore or Winter Heaths and Heather come into full bloom. And all these plants are loaded with nectar! On sunny winter days bees may leave the nest in search of this nectar….but only for short distances as their thoracic muscles that keep them flying become prone to freezing up! The trade off for this nectar food source is that the plants are able to get pollinated by the coming and goings of the bees and bugs.
But there are a few other ways winter plants can still be pollinated. Wind, water, rain and self-pollination are available options in the event winters grasp is just too much for our bee friends.
Pollinators are important all 12 months of the year and nature has provided the essential plant foods to sustain their survival.
Springtime Changes
Springtime is when these pollinators are the most hungry and active. It’s here where they climb out of various states of hibernation and prepare themselves for another busy season of building back their numbers and searching for the nectar that’s so vital to their own survival and that of virtually every plant on earth.
As we embrace the arrival of spring, let us remember the vital role these tiny creatures play in sustaining the web of life that surrounds us. By nurturing and protecting pollinators, we can cultivate a world where nature thrives, and the promise of spring is realized year after year.